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Primary meningitis caused by Bacteroides fragilis and Fusobacterium necrophorum
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|May 1, 1980
Abstract:
A fatal case of meningitis due to Bacteroides fragilis and Fusobacterium necrophorum is reported. This appears to be the first case in which meningitis due to these organisms was not secondary to a disease elsewhere in the body. The organisms are difficult to culture and strict anaerobic methods should be used whenever they are suspected. Intravenous metronidazole is probably the antibiotic of choice.
Insights
A fatal meningitis case caused by Bacteroides fragilis and Fusobacterium necrophorum, originating without a prior infection, is detailed. Prompt anaerobic culturing and intravenous metronidazole are recommended for suspected cases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Bacteroides fragilis and Fusobacterium necrophorum are anaerobic bacteria typically associated with other infections.
- Primary meningitis from these specific anaerobic organisms is exceedingly rare.
Observation:
- A fatal case of meningitis was identified.
- The causative agents were identified as Bacteroides fragilis and Fusobacterium necrophorum.
- This meningitis presentation was not secondary to an existing infection elsewhere in the body.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of meningitis caused by Bacteroides fragilis and Fusobacterium necrophorum as a primary infection.
- The study highlights the difficulty in culturing these anaerobic organisms, emphasizing the need for strict anaerobic techniques.
- Intravenous metronidazole is suggested as the primary antibiotic treatment.
Implications:
- This report expands the known spectrum of primary meningitis pathogens.
- It underscores the importance of considering anaerobic bacteria in meningitis cases, even without apparent preceding infections.
- Clinicians should employ specialized anaerobic culturing methods and consider metronidazole for suspected cases involving these bacteria.