A Rare Case of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection Complicated by Acute Bacterial Meningitis and Refractory Septic Shock in Morocco: A Case Report

Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) remain a serious complication in patients with hematologic malignancies, regardless of the causative microorganism, although Staphylococcus aureus remains an important pathogen because of its potential for rapid progression and metastatic complications. This report details the case of a 58-year-old man receiving immunochemotherapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who developed fulminant sepsis 72 hours following the implantation of a totally implantable venous access port. The patient presented with high-grade fever, acute confusion, and local signs of port-site infection. Blood cultures confirmed methicillin-susceptible S. aureus bacteremia consistent with a catheter-related source. The diagnosis of secondary acute bacterial meningitis was confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid analysis and culture. Despite prompt initiation of empirical antimicrobial therapy, de-escalation to targeted anti-staphylococcal therapy, and catheter removal, the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated, and the patient died of refractory septic shock. This case highlights the aggressive progression and high mortality associated with S. aureus CRBSI complicated by hematogenous meningitis in immunocompromised patients and illustrates the importance of early recognition, prompt microbiological diagnosis, immediate source control, and vigilant clinical monitoring following catheter placement.