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Haemophilus aphrophilus meningitis complicated by hydrocephalus in an immunocompetent adult
F A Adeyemi-Doro1, A C Hui, F N Ho
1Dept. of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin NT, Hong Kong.
Abstract:
A case of meningitis due to an unusual organism, Haemophilus aphrophilus in an adult is described. In spite of rapid clearance of the organism from the cerebrospinal fluid with intravenous cefotaxime, fever persisted over 8 days of therapy and infection was complicated by hydrocephalus. H. aphrophilus meningitis is uncommon and has not been previously reported in an adult male.
Insights
This case study describes Haemophilus aphrophilus meningitis in an adult male, an uncommon occurrence. Despite treatment, the patient experienced persistent fever and developed hydrocephalus, highlighting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Meningitis is a serious infection affecting the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Haemophilus aphrophilus is a bacterium rarely implicated in central nervous system infections.
- Adult cases of H. aphrophilus meningitis are exceptionally uncommon in medical literature.
Observation:
- A case of meningitis caused by Haemophilus aphrophilus in an adult male is presented.
- The patient received intravenous cefotaxime, leading to rapid clearance of the organism from cerebrospinal fluid.
- Despite effective antimicrobial therapy, the patient exhibited persistent fever for over 8 days.
Findings:
- The infection was complicated by the development of hydrocephalus.
- This represents the first reported case of Haemophilus aphrophilus meningitis in an adult male.
- The clinical course suggests potential challenges in managing this rare form of meningitis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering unusual organisms in meningitis, even in adult patients.
- It highlights potential difficulties in achieving complete clinical resolution despite microbiological clearance.
- Further research may be needed to understand the specific pathogenesis and optimal management strategies for H. aphrophilus meningitis.