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Group B streptococcal meningitis appearing as acute deafness in an adult
Archives of Neurology
|February 1, 1984
Abstract:
A case of group B streptococcal meningitis developed in a previously healthy adult. The group B streptococcus may be underrecognized as a pathogen in human disease. Survival is good after appropriate therapy, with only six fatalities in 33 cases reported in the literature. However, our patient showed the unusual neurologic complication of bilateral deafness in group B meningitis in adults.
Insights
Group B streptococcal meningitis can affect adults, though it is often underrecognized. While survival rates are good with treatment, this case highlights the risk of adult-onset bilateral deafness as a rare complication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a significant cause of neonatal meningitis.
- GBS is increasingly recognized as a pathogen in adult infections.
- Adult GBS meningitis is relatively uncommon but can lead to severe outcomes.
Observation:
- A previously healthy adult developed meningitis caused by Group B Streptococcus.
- The patient presented with an unusual neurologic complication.
- This complication was bilateral deafness.
Findings:
- Group B Streptococcus meningitis in adults is underdiagnosed.
- Appropriate antibiotic therapy leads to good survival rates in GBS meningitis (6 fatalities in 33 reported cases).
- Bilateral deafness is an uncommon but significant neurologic sequela of GBS meningitis in adults.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider GBS in the differential diagnosis of adult meningitis.
- Early recognition and treatment of GBS meningitis are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Neurologic complications, such as deafness, necessitate long-term monitoring and management in affected adults.