Unraveling the Challenges: A Compelling Case of Staph Meningitis and Graft Infection in a Bovine Brain Graft Recipient

Meningitis due to Staphylococcus aureus is extremely rare, with an annual incidence of 1-3%. In this report, we present a rare case involving meningitis, an infected graft, and an infected fluid collection with two forms of S. aureus in a patient who received a bovine brain graft status post-decompression and suboccipital craniectomy with C1 laminectomy and duraplasty for Chiari malformation. The treatment approach included surgical debridement and graft retention, followed by an extended course of antibiotic treatment with oxacillin and rifampin. The patient successfully completed 12 weeks of total antibiotic therapy and was transitioned to suppressive therapy indefinitely with cefadroxil. This case highlights the importance of prompt identification and treatment of S. aureus meningitis due to the high mortality associated with this disease.