Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2025

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
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Multiple rare organisms causing ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection and brain abscess

Omar M Shihadeh1, Hayel Amin1, Firas Hammadi1

  • 1Hamad Medical Corporation, Hamad General Hospital, Neurosurgery Department. E-mail: oshihadeh@hamad.qa ORCID ID: 0000-0001-8505-5147.

Qatar Medical Journal
|February 27, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) can become infected, often by a single microbe. This case details a rare polymicrobial VPS infection involving five pathogens, including two rarely reported in meningitis cases.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Microbiology

Background:

  • Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) manage cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics and intracranial pressure.
  • VPS infections are a significant complication, typically monomicrobial and occurring within two years of placement.
  • Infections can arise from contiguous spread or the bloodstream.

Observation:

  • This report presents an exceptionally rare case of a polymicrobial VPS infection.
  • The infection involved five distinct microbial pathogens.
  • Two specific organisms, *Citrobacter werkmanii* and *Enterococcus casseliflavus*, were identified.

Findings:

  • *Citrobacter werkmanii* is identified as a causative agent of meningitis for the first time.
  • *Enterococcus casseliflavus* is reported as a cause of meningitis for only the second time.
  • The polymicrobial nature of this VPS infection is highly unusual.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the emergence of less common pathogens in VPS infections.
  • Clinicians should consider a broader range of organisms, including *C. werkmanii* and *E. casseliflavus*, when diagnosing meningitis.
  • Further research into emerging pathogens causing VPS infections is warranted.
Keywords:
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt Infection meningitis Abscess Neurosurgery Complications

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