Streptococcus intermedius causing primary bacterial ventriculitis in a patient with severe periodontitis - a case report.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus intermedius is a member of the S. anginosus group and is part of the normal oral microbiota. It can cause pyogenic infections in various organs, primarily in the head and neck area, including brain abscesses and meningitis. However, ventriculitis due to periodontitis has not been reported previously. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with a headache, fever and later imbalance, blurred vision, and general slowness. Neurological examination revealed nuchal rigidity and general clumsiness. Meningitis was suspected, and the patient was treated with dexamethasone, ceftriaxone and acyclovir. A brain computer tomography (CT) scan was normal, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Gram staining and bacterial cultures remained negative, so the antibacterial treatment was discontinued. Nine days after admission, the patient's condition deteriorated. The antibacterial treatment was restarted, and a brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed ventriculitis. A subsequent CT scan showed hydrocephalus, so a ventriculostomy was performed. In CSF Gram staining, chains of gram-positive cocci were observed. Bacterial cultures remained negative, but a bacterial PCR detected Streptococcus intermedius. An orthopantomography revealed advanced periodontal destruction in several teeth and periapical abscesses, which were subsequently operated on. The patient was discharged in good condition after one month. CONCLUSIONS: Poor dental health can lead to life-threatening infections in the central nervous system, even in a completely healthy individual. Primary bacterial ventriculitis is a diagnostic challenge, which may result in delayed treatment and increased mortality.

Economic impact of metagenomic next-generation sequencing versus traditional bacterial culture for postoperative central nervous system infections using a decision analysis mode: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

IMPORTANCE: Diagnosing and treating postoperative central nervous system infections (PCNSIs) remains challenging due to the low detection rate and time-consuming nature of traditional methods for identifying microorganisms in cerebrospinal fluid. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technology provides a rapid and comprehensive understanding of microbial composition in PCNSIs by swiftly sequencing and analyzing the microbial genome. The current study aimed to assess the economic impact of using mNGS versus traditional bacterial culture-directed PCNSIs diagnosis and therapy in post-neurosurgical patients from Beijing Tiantan Hospital. mNGS is a relatively expensive test item, and whether it has the corresponding health-economic significance in the clinical application of diagnosing intracranial infection has not been studied clearly. Therefore, the investigators hope to explore the clinical application value of mNGS detection in PCNSIs after neurosurgery.

Neurobrucellosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonosis worldwide, affecting 500 000 people, annually. Neurobrucellosis incidence is approximately 4%, and it is almost always heterogeneous. As there are no typical clinical features, its diagnosis is frequently misdiagnosing by other infections. RECENT FINDINGS: Neurobrucellosis picture includes meningitis, meningoencephalitis, encephalitis, cranial neuropathies, intracranial hypertension, sinus thrombosis, hemorrhages radiculitis, peripheral neuropathy, myelitis, and psychiatric manifestations. The diagnosis should be based on symptoms and signs suggestive of neurobrucellosis, not explained by other neurological disease, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, a positive Brucella serology or culture, and a response to specific antibiotics, with a significant improvement of cerebrospinal fluid parameters. SUMMARY: Neurobrucellosis can be insidious, and despite its global distribution, it is still unrecognized and frequently goes unreported. The understanding of the current epidemiology is necessary for eradication of the disease in humans, as well as the disease control in animals and prevention based on occupational hygiene and food hygiene.

Aetiologies and clinical presentation of central nervous system infections in Vietnamese patients: a prospective study.

Knowledge of the clinical presentation of central nervous system (CNS) infections and the causative pathogens is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and rapid initiation of appropriate treatment to prevent severe neurological sequelae. The aim of this study is to understand the aetiology of CNS infections based on the clinical presentation of Vietnamese patients. A prospective hospital-based cohort study was conducted between May 2014 and May 2017. We screened 137 patients with clinically suspected CNS infection for fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens using their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood cultures. In addition, DNA or RNA extracted from CSF samples were subjected to nucleic acid testing (NAT) with a selective panel of bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens. At least one pathogen could be detected in 41% (n = 56) of the patients. The main pathogens causing CNS infections were Streptococcus suis (n = 16; 12%) and Neisseria meningitidis (n = 9; 7%), followed by Herpes simplex virus 1/2 (n = 4; 3%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 4; 3%). Other pathogens were only identified in a few cases. Patients with bacterial CNS infections were significantly older, had a worse outcome, a lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), a higher rate of speech impairment and neck stiffness than patients with viral or tuberculous CNS infections. In northern Vietnam, adults are mostly affected by bacterial CNS infections, which have a severe clinical course and worse outcomes compared to viral or tuberculous CNS infections. Clinicians should be aware of the regional occurrence of pathogens to initiate rapid and appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Child Neurology: Bartonella henselae Neuroretinitis in 2 Patients.

Neuroretinitis due to Bartonella henselae infection is a rare cause of vision loss in children. Two pediatric cases of acute unilateral vision loss accompanied by edema of the optic nerve on fundoscopic examination are presented. Severe causes of vision loss were excluded. During the course of the disease, macular stellate exudates emerged on control fundoscopic examinations, and diagnosis of neuroretinitis was made. A causative agent was confirmed by serologic examination, as high titers of IgM and IgG antibodies to Bartonella henselae were detected. Both patients significantly recovered after oral antibiotic treatment.

Neurobrucellosis Presenting with Features of Demyelinating Disorder in a Pediatric Patient.

Brucellosis is an endemic disease in Saudi Arabia, which can present with variable clinical manifestations. It is a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans. Brucellosis is a multisystemic disease that can present with any system involvement; and neurobrucellosis is a serious complication, sometimes leading to permanent neurological deficit, if treatment is not started promptly. Herein, we present a 6-year boy with neurobrucellosis, who developed demyelination of cerebral white matter and presented with fever and seizures. Key Words: Neurobrucellosis, Demyelination, White matter.

Outbreaks of Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus in Goslings Characterized by Central Nervous Symptoms.

The present report describes outbreaks of Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus in young geese flocks in Austria. The flocks, comprising 160-1450 goslings of 2-3 wk of age, experienced increased mortalities The clinical signs were characterized by severe central nervous symptoms, namely leg paddling and torticollis. The postmortem investigation revealed hepatitis, splenitis, and a low amount of liquid fluid in the coelomic cavity. Livers were of fragile texture, with white necrotic areas. The latter were also found in spleens. No macroscopic lesions were seen in brains. Bacteriologic investigation followed by bacterial identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry and phylogenetic analysis of the partial 16S rRNA region revealed the presence in heart, liver, spleen, and brain of S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus. Histologic investigation revealed multifocal necrosis in liver and spleen samples together with infiltration of mononuclear cells and heterophilic granulocytes. Furthermore, in the lesions, coccoid bacteria could be identified. No histopathologic changes were observed in brain samples from goslings, except in one bird in which accumulation of coccoid bacteria in blood vessels of the brain samples was present. Antibiotic sensitivity tests revealed identical profiles for all strains, which were susceptible to penicillins, cephalosporins, chloramphenicol, imipenem, and tylosin. However, resistance was found against quinolones, aminoglycosides, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, which are commonly used to treat infections with gram-positive bacteria.

Reporte de caso­Brotes de Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus en gansitos caracterizados por síntomas nerviosos centrales. El presente informe describe brotes de Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus en parvadas de gansos jóvenes en Austria. Las bandadas, que comprendían entre 160 a 1450 gansos de 2 a 3 semanas de edad, experimentaron aumento de la mortalidad. Los signos clínicos se caracterizaron por síntomas severos del sistema nervioso central, incluyendo, movimientos de pataleo y tortícolis. La investigación post mórtem reveló hepatitis, esplenitis y la presencia de líquido en la cavidad celómica en poca cantidad. Los hígados presentaron textura frágil, con áreas necróticas blancas. Estos últimos también se encontraron en bazos. No se observaron lesiones macroscópicas en el cerebro. La investigación bacteriológica seguida de la identificación bacteriana mediante espectrometría de masas MALDI-TOF y el análisis filogenético de la región parcial de ARNr 16S revelaron la presencia en el corazón, el hígado, el bazo y en el cerebro de S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus. La investigación histológica reveló necrosis multifocal en muestras de hígado y bazo junto con infiltración de células mononucleares y granulocitos heterófilos. Además, en las lesiones se pudieron identificar bacterias de morfología cocoide. No se observaron cambios histopatológicos en muestras de cerebro de los gansitos, excepto en un ave en la que se observó acumulación de bacterias cocoides en los vasos sanguíneos de las muestras de cerebro. Las pruebas de sensibilidad a los antibióticos revelaron perfiles idénticos para todas las cepas, que eran susceptibles a penicilinas, cefalosporinas, cloranfenicol, imipenem y tilosina. Sin embargo, se encontró resistencia contra quinolonas, aminoglucósidos, tetraciclina y trimetoprim-sulfametoxazol, que se usan comúnmente para tratar infecciones con bacterias grampositivas.

An Outbreak of Pullorum Disease in a Young Layer Parent Flock in Austria Presented with Central Nervous System Signs.

The present report describes an outbreak of Pullorum disease in a young layer parent stock in Austria. The flock, which comprised 14,220 Lohmann brown layer chickens, experienced high mortality from the first week of life, reaching a total of 1905 chickens in the fifth week, when the flock was depopulated. Clinical signs included uneven size of the chicks, pasty vents, apathy, and diminished water and feed intake, with some birds presenting central nervous system signs such as tremors and torticollis. The postmortem investigation of 43 birds, of ages 1 to 4 weeks, revealed retained yolk sacs filled with caseous exudate, purulent airsacculitis, hepatitis with whitish pinpoint coalescing necrotic foci, splenitis with splenomegaly, hemorrhagic-mucoid enteritis in the small intestine, fibrinous typhlitis, nephromegaly, and urate deposits in the ureters and cloaca. Inflammation and/or necrosis were identified in liver, spleen, kidney, small intestine, and heart by histopathology. However, no histopathologic lesions were observed in the brain. Salmonella enterica was isolated from heart, liver, spleen, and brain in pure culture. Group-specific serotyping determined the presence of group D, with S. enterica subspecies enterica serovar Gallinarum being confirmed based on the Kauffmann-White scheme. A duplex PCR further identified S. enterica subspecies enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar Pullorum as the responsible agent for the outbreak. Subsequently, the grandparent flocks, from which the affected flock originated, were tested and found to be negative for Salmonella Pullorum, with no other progenies from the same grandparents developing disease. Although the source of the pathogen could not be identified, such findings highlight the importance of "old" pathogens such as Salmonella Pullorum causing sudden high mortality in chicks, even in a highly controlled environment.

Reporte de caso­Brote de pulorosis en una parvada de reproductores de postura jóvenes en Austria que presentó signos del sistema nervioso central. El presente reporte describe un brote de pulorosis en un lote de reproductoras de postura jóvenes en Austria. La parvada, que comprendió 14,220 gallinas de postura Lohmann, experimentó alta mortalidad desde la primera semana de vida, alcanzando un total de 1905 gallinas en la quinta semana, cuando la parvada se despobló. Los signos clínicos incluyeron tamaño desigual de pollito, empastamiento de la cloaca, apatía y disminución del consumo de agua y alimento, y algunas aves presentaron signos del sistema nervioso central como temblores y tortícolis. La investigación post mórtem de 43 aves, de 1 a 4 semanas de edad, reveló sacos vitelinos retenidos llenos de exudado caseoso, aerosaculitis purulenta, hepatitis con focos necróticos coalescentes blanquecinos, esplenitis con esplenomegalia, enteritis hemorrágica-mucoide en el intestino delgado, tiflitis fibrinosa, nefromegalia y depósitos de uratos en los uréteres y cloaca. Se identificaron inflamación y/o necrosis en hígado, bazo, riñón, intestino delgado y corazón mediante histopatología. Sin embargo, no se observaron lesiones histopatológicas en el cerebro. Se aisló Salmonella enterica de corazón, hígado, bazo y cerebro en cultivo puro. La serotipificación específica de grupo determinó la presencia del grupo D, con S entérica subespecie enterica serovar Gallinarum que se confirmó según el esquema de Kauffmann-White. Un método dúplex de PCR identificó S. enterica subspecie enterica serovar Pullorum como el agente responsable del brote. Posteriormente, las parvadas de abuelas, de las que se originó la parvada afectada, fueron analizadas y resultaron negativas para Salmonella Pullorum, sin que ninguna otra progenie de los mismos abuelos desarrollara la enfermedad. Aunque no se pudo identificar la fuente del patógeno, tales hallazgos resaltan la importancia de patógenos "viejos" como Salmonella Pullorum que causan una alta mortalidad repentina en los pollitos, incluso en un ambiente altamente controlado.

Elevated Free Phosphatidylcholine Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid Distinguish Bacterial from Viral CNS Infections.

The identification of CSF biomarkers for bacterial meningitis can potentially improve diagnosis and understanding of pathogenesis, and the differentiation from viral CNS infections is of particular clinical importance. Considering that substantial changes in CSF metabolites in CNS infections have recently been demonstrated, we compared concentrations of 188 metabolites in CSF samples from patients with bacterial meningitis (n = 32), viral meningitis/encephalitis (n = 34), and noninflamed controls (n = 66). Metabolite reprogramming in bacterial meningitis was greatest among phosphatidylcholines, and concentrations of all 54 phosphatidylcholines were significantly (p = 1.2 × 10-25-1.5 × 10-4) higher than in controls. Indeed, all biomarkers for bacterial meningitis vs. viral meningitis/encephalitis with an AUC ≥ 0.86 (ROC curve analysis) were phosphatidylcholines. Four of the five most accurate (AUC ≥ 0.9) phosphatidylcholine biomarkers had higher sensitivity and negative predictive values than CSF lactate or cell count. Concentrations of the 10 most accurate phosphatidylcholine biomarkers were lower in meningitis due to opportunistic pathogens than in meningitis due to typical meningitis pathogens, and they correlated most strongly with parameters reflecting blood-CSF barrier dysfunction and CSF lactate (r = 0.73-0.82), less so with CSF cell count, and not with blood CRP. In contrast to the elevated phosphatidylcholine concentrations in CSF, serum concentrations remained relatively unchanged. Taken together, these results suggest that increased free CSF phosphatidylcholines are sensitive biomarkers for bacterial meningitis and do not merely reflect inflammation but are associated with local disease and a shift in CNS metabolism.

In vivo oxygen measurement in cerebrospinal fluid of pigs to determine physiologic and pathophysiologic oxygen values during CNS infections.

During infection and inflammation, a reduced oxygen level clearly affects cellular functions. Oxygen levels during CNS infections are unknown. Here we established and evaluated an in vivo measurement system to characterize the oxygen level in parallel with bacterial numbers (CFU/mL), the cell number and pH level inside the CSF of healthy compared to Streptococcus suis-infected pigs. The animals were anesthetized over a seven-hour period with isoflurane in air/oxygen at physiologic arterial partial pressure of oxygen. Oxygen levels in CSF of anesthetized pigs were compared to euthanized pigs. The detected partial pressure of oxygen in the CSF remained constant in a range of 47-63 mmHg, independent of the infection status (bacterial or cell number). In contrast, the pH value showed a slight drop during infection, which correlated with cell and bacterial number in CSF. We present physiologic oxygen and pH values in CSF during the onset of bacterial meningitis.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a diagnostic tool for many conditions affecting the central nervous system. Urgent indications for lumbar puncture include suspected central nervous system infection or subarachnoid hemorrhage. CSF analysis is not necessarily diagnostic but can be useful in the evaluation of other neurologic conditions, such as spontaneous intracranial hypotension, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and malignancy. Bacterial meningitis has a high mortality rate and characteristic effects on CSF white blood cell counts, CSF protein levels, and the CSF:serum glucose ratio. CSF culture can identify causative organisms and antibiotic sensitivities. Viral meningitis can present similarly to bacterial meningitis but usually has a low mortality rate. Adjunctive tests such as CSF lactate measurement, latex agglutination, and polymerase chain reaction testing can help differentiate between bacterial and viral causes of meningitis. Immunocompromised patients may have meningitis caused by tuberculosis, neurosyphilis, or fungal or parasitic infections. Subarachnoid hemorrhage has a high mortality rate, and rapid diagnosis is key to improve outcomes. Computed tomography of the head is nearly 100% sensitive for subarachnoid hemorrhage in the first six hours after symptom onset, but CSF analysis may be required if there is a delay in presentation or if imaging findings are equivocal. Xanthochromia and an elevated red blood cell count are characteristic CSF findings in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis can mimic central nervous system infection. It has a poor prognosis, and large-volume CSF cytology is diagnostic.

Neuroradiology of infectious diseases.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Early diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) infections is crucial given high morbidity and mortality. Neuroimaging in CNS infections is widely used to aid in the diagnosis, treatment and to assess the response to antibiotic and neurosurgical interventions. RECENT FINDINGS: The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines have clear recommendations for obtaining a computerized tomography of the head (CTH) prior to lumbar puncture (LP) in suspected meningitis. In the absence of indications for imaging or in aseptic meningitis, cranial imaging is of low utility. In contrast, cranial imaging is of utmost importance in the setting of encephalitis, bacterial meningitis, ventriculitis, bacterial brain abscess, subdural empyema, epidural abscess, neurobrucellosis, neurocysticercosis, and CNS tuberculosis that can aid clinicians with the differential diagnosis, source of infection (e.g., otitis, sinusitis), assessing complications of meningitis (e.g., hydrocephalus, venous sinus thrombosis, strokes), need for neurosurgical interventions and to monitor for the response of therapy. Novel imaging techniques such as fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA), susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) contrast are briefly discussed. SUMMARY: Though the radiological findings in CNS infections are vast, certain patterns along with clinical clues from history and examination often pave the way to early diagnosis. This review reiterates the importance of obtaining cranial imaging when necessary, and the various radiological presentations of commonly encountered CNS infections.

Immunopathogenesis of Craniotomy Infection and Niche-Specific Immune Responses to Biofilm.

Bacterial infections in the central nervous system (CNS) can be life threatening and often impair neurological function. Biofilm infection is a complication following craniotomy, a neurosurgical procedure that involves the removal and replacement of a skull fragment (bone flap) to access the brain for surgical intervention. The incidence of infection following craniotomy ranges from 1% to 3% with approximately half caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). These infections present a significant therapeutic challenge due to the antibiotic tolerance of biofilm and unique immune properties of the CNS. Previous studies have revealed a critical role for innate immune responses during S. aureus craniotomy infection. Experiments using knockout mouse models have highlighted the importance of the pattern recognition receptor Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and its adaptor protein MyD88 for preventing S. aureus outgrowth during craniotomy biofilm infection. However, neither molecule affected bacterial burden in a mouse model of S. aureus brain abscess highlighting the distinctions between immune regulation of biofilm vs. planktonic infection in the CNS. Furthermore, the immune responses elicited during S. aureus craniotomy infection are distinct from biofilm infection in the periphery, emphasizing the critical role for niche-specific factors in dictating S. aureus biofilm-leukocyte crosstalk. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge concerning innate immunity to S. aureus craniotomy biofilm infection, compare this to S. aureus biofilm infection in the periphery, and discuss the importance of anatomical location in dictating how biofilm influences inflammatory responses and its impact on bacterial clearance.

Clinical utility of cerebrospinal fluid vitamin D-binding protein as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of viral and bacterial CNS infections.

BACKGROUND: Rapid and accurate diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) infections is important, and laboratory tests help diagnose CNS infections. Even when the patient has symptoms, laboratory tests often do not reveal any specific findings. The potential of vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) to be used as a biomarker for viral and bacterial CNS infections was studied. METHODS: A total of 302 subjects with suspected CNS infection who underwent lumbar puncture were included. Clinical and laboratory data were collected retrospectively. VDBP levels were measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. Genotyping for the GC gene encoding VDBP was also performed. VDBP levels were analyzed and compared by CNS infection, pathogen, CSF opening pressure, and GC genotype. RESULTS: A CNS infection group (n = 90) and a non-CNS infection group (n = 212) were studied. In terms of its receiver operating characteristic, CSF VDBP showed an area under the curve of 0.726 for the diagnosis of CNS infection. CSF VDBP levels were significantly different between the CNS infection and non-infection groups. The CNS infection group with enterovirus showed a statistically lower distribution of CSF VDBP levels than the other virus groups. The group with CSF opening pressure > 25 cmH2O showed higher CSF VDBP levels than the other groups. There was no significant difference in GC gene allele distribution between the CNS infection and non-infection groups. CONCLUSIONS: CSF VDBP levels were increased in patients with CNS infection. The CSF VDBP showed potential as a new biomarker for viral and bacterial CNS infections.

Pharmacokinetics of colistin in cerebrospinal fluid after intraventricular administration alone in intracranial infections.

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of colistin in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after intraventricular (IVT) administration of colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) for central nervous system (CNS) infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Ten patients with CNS infection were treated with CMS (active substance colistin equivalent to 100 000 units, every 24 h) by IVT administration. After 3 days of treatment, the concentration of colistin in the CSF was determined by selective ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h after CMS administration. A pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using Phoenix WinNonlin. Following IVT administration of CMS, the estimated colistin apparent CSF half-life (t1/2) was 10.46 ± 6.98 h, the average peak colistin concentration (Cmax) was 16.95 ± 7.39 µg/mL and the average time to peak concentration (Tmax) was 4.6 ± 0.97 h. The measured trough concentration (Cmin; colistin concentration in CSF at 24 h after administration of CMS) was 1.12-8.33 µg/mL and the average Cmin was 2.91 ± 2.11 µg/mL. CSF concentrations of colistin were above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5 µg/mL at 24 h after IVT administration in all patients. Microbiological cure was observed in all patients. In conclusion, this is the first study of colistin pharmacokinetics in CSF after IVT administration alone in patients with CNS infection. It provides essential data for designing relatively safe and effective CMS dosing regimens.

Case Report: Isolated Central Nervous System Melioidosis from a Non-Endemic Area.

Central nervous system (CNS) melioidosis is a rare neurological infectious disease which carries a high mortality. We describe a previously healthy middle-aged female, who presented to us with left-sided hemiparesis and was on antitubercular therapy from a previous presumed diagnosis of CNS tuberculoma. Non-characteristic imaging picture, multiple negative body fluid cultures, and positive Cerebrospinal fluid galactomannan led to a further delay in diagnosis. Gram stain of the tissue obtained from brain biopsy revealed Gram-negative rods in "safety pin" appearance. By picking up the colonies that appeared on blood agar and MacConkey agar, the identification of the clinical isolates was performed using VITEK® matrix (BioMérieux, Marcy-L'Etoile, France)-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (VITEK MALDI TOF MS database version 3.2) which revealed Burkholderia pseudomallei. After the institution of appropriate treatment, she survived but with significant morbidity. A high index of suspicion should be kept for such previously healthy individuals belonging to non-endemic areas, where presentation is suspicious of an infective etiology, but not improving despite appropriate therapy. This may help in early recognition and institution of recommended treatment so that mortality can be avoided.

Brain Abscess in a Patient with Osteopetrosis: A Rare Complication

Brain abscess formation is extremely rare in patients with osteopetrosis. Herein, we report a case of viridans streptococci brain abscess in an immunocompromised child diagnosed with osteopetrosis. The patient presented with a sudden change in mental status and convulsions. Radiological evaluation revealed a temporal lobe brain abscess, and intravenous antibiotherapy was started immediately. The patient underwent abscess drainage, and laboratory investigation of pus material revealed viridans streptococci.

A Rare Presentation of Neurobrucellosis in a 6-Year-Old Pediatric Patient with Sagittal Sinus Thrombosis.

Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonosis worldwide. It is still endemic in many regions of the world. A 6-year-old female was admitted to the emergency department (ED) due to a sudden change in consciousness, urinary incontinence, vomiting, and difficulty in walking. Neurological examination demonstrated abducens nerve paralysis, mild-to-moderate motor deficit in hemiparesis in the left arm. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a hemorrhagic focus at the right frontal lobe and thrombosis in the superior sagittal sinus of the brain. The diagnosis of neurobrucellosis was confirmed by identifying Brucella spp. in the blood culture on the day 6 of pediatric intensive care unit admission; thus, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and rifampicin, and ceftriaxone were promptly initiated. Despite neuroprotective management and acetazolamide, the patient's neurological problems and high intracranial pressure (ICP) persisted. An external ventricular drainage tube and a Codman ICP monitor were placed to be on the consent vigilance of the patient's neurological condition. The patient's ICP continued to increase despite the current treatment regimen; therefore, a decompressive bitemporal craniectomy was performed. The ICP level of the patient returned to its normal range immediately after the craniectomy. The patient did not have any notable neurologic sequelae at the first-year follow-up. Neurobrucellosis is a rare complication of systemic brucellosis and may present as meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, radiculitis, and/or neuritis. Herein, we describe a six-year-old girl with brucellosis complicated with cerebral vein thrombosis. This case illustrates the need for close monitoring of patients with unexplained neurological signs or symptoms for brucellosis in endemic areas.