Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model
07:26

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model

Published on: July 1, 2018

[Cerebral infections due to anaerobic organisms (author's transl)]

F X Roux, J Cophignon, B George

    Neuro-Chirurgie
    |January 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Intracranial suppurations, often from E.N.T. sources, are frequently caused by anaerobic bacteria. Improved bacteriological diagnosis and antibiotic treatment, like Penicillin-Metronidazole, significantly reduce mortality and morbidity rates in brain abscess cases.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Microbiology

    Context:

    • Intracranial suppurations, particularly those originating from Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) infections, are a significant clinical challenge.
    • These infections are often polymicrobial, with anaerobic bacteria playing a predominant role.

    Purpose:

    • To analyze the bacteriology of intracranial suppurations and evaluate the impact of improved diagnostic methods and antibiotic treatments.
    • To assess the relationship between bacteriological findings, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes (mortality and morbidity).

    Summary:

    • A study of 97 intracranial suppuration cases observed between 1968 and 1979 revealed anaerobic germs in over 60% when bacteriological studies were performed correctly.
    • Negative culture rates were below 10%, and improved bacteriological diagnosis correlated with lower mortality (11%) and morbidity (34%) rates.
    • Anaerobic bacteria demonstrated high susceptibility to antibiotics, notably the Penicillin-Metronidazole combination, which is now a primary therapeutic choice, adjusted based on antibiogram results.

    Impact:

    • Enhanced bacteriological diagnosis and prompt antibiotic therapy, particularly with Penicillin-Metronidazole, have simplified the management of brain abscesses.
    • The integration of CT scans and rigorous bacteriology allows for accurate monitoring and follow-up of intracranial suppurations post-punction, improving patient outcomes.

    More Related Videos

    Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain05:02

    Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain

    Published on: October 2, 2018

    Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells10:12

    Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells

    Published on: July 14, 2020

    Related Concept Videos

    Bacterial Meningitis01:24

    Bacterial Meningitis

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
    Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

    Cryptococcal Meningitis

    Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
    Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

    Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

    Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
    Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

    Encephalitis l: Introduction

    Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
    Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

    Brain Abscess l: Introduction

    A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...