A Rare Case of Meningitis Caused by Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus in an Immunocompetent Young Adult

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Bacterial meningitis is a severe infection primarily caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis.
• Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus (Sgp) is an uncommon cause of meningitis, particularly in adults.
• Previous Sgp meningitis cases were often linked to immunosuppression or specific comorbidities.

Observation:

• This report details the first case of Sgp meningitis in a young, immunocompetent Japanese adult.
• The patient, a 20-year-old woman, presented with symptoms of bacterial meningitis.
• The patient had no identifiable risk factors such as immunosuppression, bowel disease, or hepatobiliary issues.

Findings:

• The patient experienced a significant recovery following appropriate antibiotic therapy.
• Cultures confirmed the meningitis was caused by Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus.
• This case challenges the established understanding of risk factors for Sgp meningitis.

Implications:

• Sgp should be considered as a potential pathogen in adult bacterial meningitis, even in immunocompetent individuals.
• The findings suggest that Sgp meningitis may occur in the absence of previously identified predisposing conditions.
• This case broadens the clinical spectrum and etiological considerations for bacterial meningitis.