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Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
Published on: October 2, 2018
Septicemia due to Neisseria lactamica
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|September 1, 1976
Abstract:
Neisseria lactamica was isolated from the blood of a pediatric patient who had signs of septicemia and otitis media. Organisms morphologically resembling Neisseria, as well as gram-positive cocci, were seen on a Gram stain of fluid from the middle ear. It is hypothesized that the N. lactamica septicemia was secondary to infection of the middle ear by this organism.
Insights
Neisseria lactamica caused septicemia in a child with otitis media. This suggests middle ear infections by N. lactamica can lead to systemic illness in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Otitis media is a common pediatric infection.
- Septicemia is a serious bloodstream infection.
- Neisseria lactamica is a commensal bacterium of the upper respiratory tract.
Observation:
- Neisseria lactamica was identified in the blood of a pediatric patient.
- The patient presented with symptoms of septicemia and otitis media.
- Gram stain of middle ear fluid revealed Neisseria-like organisms and gram-positive cocci.
Findings:
- Isolation of Neisseria lactamica from blood cultures confirmed bacteremia.
- Co-occurrence of otitis media and N. lactamica septicemia in a pediatric case.
- Microscopic findings in middle ear fluid support a potential primary otitis media infection.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential pathogenic role for Neisseria lactamica in invasive infections.
- It suggests otitis media caused by N. lactamica may precede or lead to septicemia.
- Further investigation is warranted to understand the mechanisms of N. lactamica invasive disease in children.
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