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Cerebellar Abscess Caused by Rare Bacteria: A Case Report
Marianna E Kapsetaki1, Christopher Susanto2, Athanasios Theofanopoulos3
1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece; School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Journal of Endodontics
|May 14, 2026
Summary
This study reports a rare case of a cerebellar abscess caused by Rothia dentocariosa and Streptococcus intermedius. The patient recovered after surgery and antibiotics, highlighting a unique brain infection scenario.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Rothia dentocariosa and Streptococcus intermedius are common upper respiratory tract bacteria.
- Brain abscesses caused by Rothia dentocariosa are exceptionally rare, with only three prior reported cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a rare case of a cerebellar abscess involving both Rothia dentocariosa and Streptococcus intermedius.
- To detail the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and management of this unusual brain infection.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 66-year-old male patient.
- Clinical examination, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Computed Tomography (CT) brain scans.
- Surgical intervention (unilateral suboccipital craniectomy and drainage) and microbiological cultures.
- Intravenous antibiotic therapy.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with neurological deficits including dizziness, imbalance, and diplopia, indicative of cerebellar dysfunction.
- Imaging revealed a cerebellar lesion with significant surrounding edema, which worsened despite initial management.
- Cultures confirmed the presence of Rothia dentocariosa and Streptococcus intermedius as the causative agents of the abscess.
- The patient showed gradual clinical improvement following surgical drainage and a course of antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- This case represents a rare instance of a cerebellar abscess caused by the synergistic infection of Rothia dentocariosa and Streptococcus intermedius.
- The findings underscore the importance of considering unusual microbial pathogens in brain abscesses, even in the absence of a clear infectious source.
- Successful management involved a combination of surgical intervention and targeted antibiotic therapy.
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