Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2008 | Case report
Ventriculitis due to Staphylococcus lugdunensis: two case reports
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2008
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Introduction
Staphylococcus lugdunensis is an unusually virulent coagulase-negative staphylococcus that has rarely been implicated in central nervous system infections.
Case presentation
Two children hospitalized in the Neurosurgery Unit developed ventriculitis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus lugdunensis 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.
Conclusion
Distinguishing Staphylococcus lugdunensis 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.