Pediatr Infect Vaccine.  2023 Dec;30(3):159-164. 10.14776/piv.2023.30.e16.

A Rare Case of Brain Abscess Caused by Aggregatibacter aphrophilus and Actinomyces georgiae in an Immunocompetent Child

• Bae S
• Lee SJ
• Kim YK
• Moon HW
• Cho KR
• Lee R

• KMID: 2551466
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14776/piv.2023.30.e16

Abstract

A brain abscess is a potentially life-threatening infection of the brain that can be challenging to diagnose, especially in children. In this report, we describe a case of a central nervous system infection caused by rare pathogens in an immunocompetent child. A 10-year-old female presented with a severe headache lasting 10 days, along with flashing lights, nausea, and vomiting. The patient was diagnosed with secundum atrial septal defect 7 years ago and underwent dental work for cavities one month prior to admission. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 4.2 cm sized brain abscess in the right parietal lobe, causing left inferior quadrantanopia. A craniotomy and abscess aspiration surgery were performed, and cultures from the aspirated pus and tissue revealed Aggregatibacter aphrophilus. Additionally, Actinomyces georgiae was identified through 16S rRNA sequencing. After 8 weeks of antimicrobial therapy with ampicillin-sulbactam, the patient was discharged without any complications. A follow-up brain MRI showed complete resolution of the abscess and edema.

Keyword

Actinomyces georgiae; Aggregatibacter aphrophilus; Brain abscess; Child