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Otogenic Cerebellar Abscess with Polymicrobial Anaerobic Infection in a Young Female- A Rare Presentation

Bhawna Sharma1, Priya Sreenivasan2, Apinderpreet Singh3

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, AIIMS, Bathinda, India.

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery : Official Publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India
|March 5, 2024
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare cerebellar abscess in an immunocompetent patient caused by a dual anaerobic infection. It underscores the need for thorough anaerobic cultures in diagnosing brain abscesses.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Brain abscess is a severe condition involving pus collection in the brain.
  • Infections often stem from nearby sites (ear, sinus, dental) or the bloodstream.
  • Commonly implicated bacteria include Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a unique case of a cerebellar abscess.
  • To highlight a polymicrobial anaerobic infection in an immunocompetent individual.
  • To emphasize the diagnostic importance of anaerobic cultures.

Main Methods:

  • Case presentation of a 23-year-old female with chronic otitis media.
  • Cerebellar abscess identified.
  • Cultures performed for aerobic and anaerobic organisms.

Main Results:

  • Aerobic cultures from the abscess were sterile.
  • Anaerobic cultures yielded a pure growth of two anaerobes: Peptostreptococcus and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron.
  • The patient was immunocompetent.

Conclusions:

  • This case highlights a rare polymicrobial anaerobic brain abscess.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management of anaerobic infections are crucial.
  • Chronic otitis media can be a source of serious intracranial infections.
Keywords:
AnaerobicCerebellar abscessInfectionOtitis mediaPolymicrobial

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