Related Experiment Videos

Bacteroides fragilis meningitis successfully treated with metronidazole after a previous failure with thiamphenicol

Insights

A 72-year-old woman with pyogenic meningitis due to Bacteroides fragilis showed treatment failure with thiamphenicol. Metronidazole effectively treated the infection, sterilizing cerebrospinal fluid and leading to clinical recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Pyogenic meningitis can be caused by various bacteria.
  • Bacteroides fragilis is an anaerobic bacterium that can cause serious infections.

Observation:

  • A 72-year-old female presented with pyogenic meningitis.
  • The causative agent was identified as Bacteroides fragilis.

Findings:

  • The patient was initially treated with thiamphenicol, to which the isolate was susceptible, but showed no clinical improvement.
  • Metronidazole administration resulted in sterilization of cerebrospinal fluid and a complete clinical response, demonstrating high bactericidal activity against Bacteroides fragilis.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering metronidazole for Bacteroides fragilis meningitis, especially in cases of treatment failure with other antibiotics.
  • Metronidazole is a crucial therapeutic option for anaerobic bacterial meningitis.

Related Concept Videos