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A Rare Complication of Proteus Brain Abscess Due to Coccidioidomycosis Causing Hydrocephalus
Kevin Trong Dao1, Saakshi Dulani1, Aishwarya Saripalli1
1Kern Medical-UCLA, Bakersfield, USA.
Abstract:
Proteus mirabilis is a very common gram-negative facultative anaerobe seen in urinary tract infections. This rod-shaped bacterium tends to cause urolithiasis via its ability to alkalinize the urine. However, in some cases, this bacterium has been shown to cause bacteremia as well as other complicated infections. Here we would like to present a rare case of Proteus mirabilis that has invaded the brain in a patient that has a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placed due to coccidioidal meningitis causing hydrocephalus. We would also like to discuss the importance of the monitoring of VP shunt and discuss their likelihood of infections and the medical as well as surgical management.
Insights
Proteus mirabilis, a common urinary tract infection bacterium, rarely invaded the brain in a patient with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. This case highlights shunt infection risks and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
Background:
- Proteus mirabilis commonly causes urinary tract infections and urolithiasis.
- This bacterium can lead to bacteremia and complicated infections in some cases.
- Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are used to treat hydrocephalus but are susceptible to infection.
