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Brain abscess due to Haemophilus aphrophilus: possible canine transmission
Abstract:
A 58-year-old patient developed progressive right hemiparesis and a hemisensory loss. Computed tomography demonstrated a lesion in the left frontoparietal region with ring enhancement. A craniotomy was performed and an abscess was removed, which on culture grew Haemophilus aphrophilus. The same organism was isolated from the patient's poodle dog but not from three other poodles of family members. This, along with previous reports, suggests that the poodle may be a vector in the transmission of this organism, which rarely may cause a brain abscess.
Insights
A poodle transmitted Haemophilus aphrophilus, a rare cause of brain abscess, to a patient presenting with hemiparesis. This case highlights the potential role of poodles in transmitting this rare brain infection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Brain abscesses are rare but serious infections.
- Haemophilus aphrophilus is a bacterium that can cause various infections.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old patient presented with progressive right hemiparesis and hemisensory loss.
- Imaging revealed a left frontoparietal lesion with ring enhancement.
- Surgical removal of the abscess yielded Haemophilus aphrophilus.
Findings:
- The same organism, Haemophilus aphrophilus, was isolated from the patient's pet poodle.
- This suggests a potential zoonotic transmission route from the dog to the human.
- This finding is supported by previous reports linking this organism to canine reservoirs.
Implications:
- Poodles may act as vectors for Haemophilus aphrophilus transmission.
- This case underscores the importance of considering animal contact in the etiology of rare brain abscesses.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of companion animals in transmitting neuroinfectious diseases.