Ventriculitis due to <it>Staphylococcus lugdunensis</it>: two case reports

• Main Authors: Spanu Teresa, Rigante Donato, Tamburrini Gianpiero, Fiori Barbara, D'Inzeo Tiziana, Posteraro Brunella, Policicchio Domenico, Sanguinetti Maurizio, Fadda Giovanni
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2008-08-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/2/1/267

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p><it>Staphylococcus lugdunensis </it>is an unusually virulent coagulase-negative staphylococcus that has rarely been implicated in central nervous system infections.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>Two children hospitalized in the Neurosurgery Unit developed ventriculitis caused by methicillin-resistant <it>Staphylococcus lugdunensis </it>following placement of external ventriculostomy drains. The causative organisms were identified by molecular studies. The patients recovered without significant sequelae after high doses of intrathecal vancomycin.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Distinguishing <it>Staphylococcus lugdunensis </it>from other coagulase-negative staphylococcus species is crucial because it carries a substantial risk for severe central nervous system infections displayed by patients with implanted cerebrospinal fluid devices. Clinicians should not underestimate the importance of the isolation of this species from cerebrospinal fluid specimens.</p>