Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat
08:27

Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat

Published on: October 29, 2014

[Meningitis due to Enterococcus faecalis]

J H Gentile1, M D Sparo, V B Pipo

  • 1Clínica del Sol, Hospital Ramón Santamarina, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Medicina
|January 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Enterococcus faecalis meningitis is rare, typically affecting immunocompromised individuals. This case highlights successful treatment in an elderly patient without predisposing factors, achieving full recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Enterococcus faecalis meningitis is a rare form of suppurative meningitis, accounting for less than 1% of adult cases.
  • This infection typically occurs in patients with compromised immune systems or central nervous system (CNS) lesions, often as a hospital-acquired infection.

Observation:

  • An 85-year-old female presented with unconsciousness, meningeal signs, and purulent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
  • Enterococcus faecalis was isolated from the CSF, indicating bacterial meningitis.

Findings:

  • The patient received a treatment regimen including intravenous (IV) Ampicillin and Gentamycin, intrathecal Gentamycin, and IV dexamethasone.
  • Clinical and bacteriological remission was achieved following the treatment.

Implications:

  • This case demonstrates the successful management of E. faecalis meningitis in an elderly patient without apparent predisposing conditions.
  • The successful outcome suggests that prompt and appropriate antibiotic therapy, potentially combined with intrathecal administration and corticosteroids, can lead to favorable results even in complex cases.

More Related Videos

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Real-Time Quantification of Reactive Oxygen Species in Neutrophils Infected with Meningitic Escherichia Coli11:00

Real-Time Quantification of Reactive Oxygen Species in Neutrophils Infected with Meningitic Escherichia Coli

Published on: April 20, 2021

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...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
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...