Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model
Published on: July 1, 2018
A Report of Two Cases of Meningoencephalitis Caused by Streptococcus intermedius
Jun-Li Pan1, Wen-Jun Wu1, Shu-Yan Zeng2
1Department of Neurology, Zhongshan City People's Hospital, Zhongshan, Guangdong province, 528403, People's Republic of China.
Objective:
In this paper, we analyzed the clinical data of patients with meningoencephalitis caused by Streptococcus intermedius to understand better the clinical characteristics of the disease and recommend auxiliary diagnostic mode as well as treatment experience.
Methods:
We reviewed the clinical data of two patients admitted to our department in 2019 with meningoencephalitis caused by S. intermedius.
Results:
Two female patients were examined, one of whom had a history of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma while the other had no underlying disease. These two patients were admitted with symptoms of meningoencephalitis. Cerebrospinal fluid examinations revealed elevated levels of leukocytes and protein. After treatment with meropenem, the condition improved for a brief time, but then worsened with a decline in mental status and limb movement. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures demonstrated the absence of pathogenic bacteria, while genome sequencing of cerebrospinal fluids revealed the presence of S. intermedius. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple cerebral abscesses (CAs). After coadministration of linezolid as an anti-infective, clinical symptoms gradually improved, and the CAs shrank on follow-up imaging. The condition exhibited a pattern of improvement-deterioration-improvement.
Conclusion:
Meningoencephalitis caused by S. intermedius is complex and prone to fluctuation and formation of multiple CAs. The definitive clinical diagnosis of this disease can be aided by genome sequencing technology, and early clarification of the etiology combined with the use of potent antibiotics is effective.
Insights
Meningoencephalitis caused by Streptococcus intermedius is complex, often forming multiple cerebral abscesses. Genome sequencing aids diagnosis, and prompt treatment with potent antibiotics improves outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Meningoencephalitis presents a diagnostic challenge, particularly when caused by less common pathogens.
- Streptococcus intermedius, a member of the viridans group streptococci, can cause severe central nervous system infections.
Observation:
- Two patients with Streptococcus intermedius meningoencephalitis presented with neurological decline and multiple cerebral abscesses.
- Initial cultures were negative, highlighting limitations in standard diagnostic methods.
- Genome sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid identified Streptococcus intermedius as the causative agent.
Findings:
- Patients initially responded to meropenem but deteriorated, necessitating a change in treatment.
- Combination therapy including linezolid led to clinical improvement and abscess resolution.
- The disease course was characterized by an improvement-deterioration-improvement pattern.
Implications:
- Genome sequencing is a valuable tool for diagnosing challenging meningoencephalitis cases.
- Early etiological identification and potent antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing Streptococcus intermedius meningoencephalitis.
- Understanding the complex clinical course and potential for multiple cerebral abscesses is vital for effective patient management.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Meningitis
Viral Meningitis
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis l: Introduction

