Title : A rare case of meningitis and septicemia due to Streptococcus acidominimus
Abstract:
Background: Streptococcus acidominimus is mainly recognized as a veterinary pathogen; however, it can lead to severe infections in humans, especially in those with pre-existing health issues. Proper identification and timely treatment are essential for effectively managing these infections. To date, only a limited number of cases have been documented regarding bacterial meningitis caused by S. acidominimus. Furthermore, there are no recorded instances of bacterial meningitis or septicemia attributed to S. acidominimus in the Philippines. In this report, we present a case of bacterial meningitis and septicemia resulting from S. acidominimus, which exhibited sensitivity to beta-lactams, in a 37- year-old male employed as a swineherd.
Keywords: Streptococcus acidominimus, Meningitis, Septicemia.
Introduction: Streptococcus acidominimus, a gram-positive, spherical, short chained, catalase-negative, and weak facultative anaerobic cocci, is classified within the viridans streptococci group and is typically regarded as a bacterial pathogen in the realm of veterinary medicine. It is predominantly recognized as a veterinary pathogen, particularly linked to metritis in cattle. Although it is infrequently pathogenic in humans, it has been associated with a range of invasive infections, including pneumonia, pericarditis, meningitis, brain abscesses, and infective endocarditis. Infections in humans caused by this pathogen are uncommon, and when they do occur, they often manifest with permanent deafness and endocarditis as sequelae of meningitis. In this report, we present a case of septicemia and meningitis attributed to Streptococcus acidominimus in a 37-year-old man who had a history of contact with live pigs in Caglayan, Conner, Apayao, where the pathogen was identified in both the blood and CSF cultures of the patient. We meticulously examined the patient’s medical history, the microbiological diagnostic process, drug sensitivity testing, and the treatment regimen, while also reviewing and discussing the pertinent literature.
Conclusion: In conclusion, although S. acidominimus is mainly recognized as a veterinary pathogen, it has the potential to lead to severe infections in humans, especially among those with pre-existing health issues. Proper identification and timely treatment are essential for effectively managing these infections.
