What question did this study set out to answer?

To report a rare case of brain abscess caused by Aggregatibacter aphrophilus in a healthy young woman without apparent risk factors.

March 24, 2026Cureus0 citationsOpen Access

Aggregatibacter aphrophilus Brain Abscess and Ventriculitis in a Young Healthy Woman: A Case Report and Literature Review

PKPaola KairaGeorge Washington University OSOleksandr SemeniukGeorge Washington University AAAhmed AbdelmonemGeorge Washington University

Key Points

To report a rare case of brain abscess caused by Aggregatibacter aphrophilus in a healthy young woman without apparent risk factors.
Detailed clinical examination of the patient
Utilization of cerebrospinal fluid 16S rDNA sequencing for diagnosis
Serum Karius® cell-free DNA test to identify hematogenous spread
Management including a seven-week course of ceftriaxone and adjunctive steroids
Surgical interventions such as external ventricular drainage and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement
Identification of Aggregatibacter aphrophilus as the causative agent for the brain abscess
Successful management of ventriculitis and hydrocephalus using antibiotics and surgical procedures
Highlighting the importance of molecular diagnostics in diagnosing rare infections

Abstract

Aggregatibacter aphrophilus is a rare cause of endocarditis and brain abscesses. Common potential risk factors include dental manipulation or disease, upper respiratory infections, proximity to animals, and heart disease. We present a case of a young woman without apparent predisposing factors who developed a deep-seated A. aphrophilus brain abscess complicated by ventriculitis and post-infectious low-pressure communicating hydrocephalus. Diagnosis was established by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 16S rDNA sequencing and a serum Karius® cell-free DNA test, suggesting hematogenous spread. Management required a seven-week course of ceftriaxone, adjunctive steroids for refractory inflammation, and neurosurgical interventions, including external ventricular drainage and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. This report underscores the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of this condition and highlights the role of molecular diagnostics in culture-negative infections.

AI से पूछें

Bookmark

View Full Paper