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Bacillus cereus bacteraemia complicated by a brain abscess in a pre-term neonate

Harsha Samarasekara1, Catherine Janto1, Vishnu Dasireddy2

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, New South Wales Health Pathology, Nepean Blue Mountains Pathology Service, PO Box 63, Penrith, New South Wales, 2751, Australia.

Access Microbiology
|September 27, 2021
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) brain abscess in a neonate highlights the critical need for rapid identification and susceptibility testing of invasive B. cereus in immunocompromised patients.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatal Care

Background:

  • Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) is a common contaminant, with severe infections typically seen in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Rapid identification and susceptibility testing are crucial due to the short interval between B. cereus bacteraemia and neuro-invasion.

Observation:

  • A neonate in the intensive care unit developed B. cereus bacteraemia, initially mistaken for contamination.
  • The infection progressed to a brain abscess, evidenced by ultrasound findings of white matter echogenicity and a central cavity.

Findings:

  • The neonate presented with cardiorespiratory distress (bradycardia, desaturations, increased oxygen needs).
  • Successful treatment involved surgical drainage of the brain abscess and a 6-week course of antimicrobial therapy.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential severity of B. cereus infections, even in neonates.
  • Emphasizes the importance of prompt and accurate diagnostic procedures for invasive B. cereus to guide effective treatment in vulnerable populations.
Keywords:
Clinical microbiologyImagingInfectionMeningitisSepsis

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