Brain abscess caused by Streptococcus anginosus group: Three case reports

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Investigated clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of cerebral abscesses.
• Focused on abscesses caused by Streptococcus anginosus.
• Retrospectively analyzed three patient cases and reviewed literature.

Observation:

• Case 1: Otitis media led to fever, confusion, vomiting; Streptococcus constellatus identified.
• Case 2: Dizziness was primary symptom; intermediate streptococcal abscess suspected.
• Case 3: Temporal lobe lesion initially suspected as tumor, confirmed as Streptococcus anginosus abscess.

Findings:

• All cases were community-acquired Streptococcus group brain abscesses.
• Patients responded to penicillin, ceftriaxone, vancomycin, linezolid, chloramphenicol, and levofloxacin.
• Successful treatment involved stereotactic puncture, drainage, and six-week ceftriaxone course.

Implications:

• Enhanced head MRI is vital for differentiating brain tumors from abscesses.
• Early diagnostic methods and timely intervention are critical for managing brain abscesses.
• This case series adhered to CARE guidelines for reporting.