[Campylobacter fetus meningitis in adults].
Campylobacter fetus is an uncommon cause of meningitis in the adult. We report a case observed in an 84-year-old man with alcoholic cirrhosis. The patient presented fever, jaundice and a state of mental confusion. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures identified Campylobacter fetus sensitive to several antibiotics. Ciprofloxacine-ceftriaxone combination replaced the antibiotics prescribed empirically prior to identification and led to regression of the fever and normal mental status within 4 days. Spinal tap on day 7 showed 20 white cells, 85% lymphocytes and normal protein level. Unfortunately, the patient later developed edema and ascitis with major jaundice. Oligo-anuria could not be controlled and the patient died two weeks after admission. Campylobacter fetus meningitis is predominantly seen in men, mean age of onset 50 years. Clinical signs are not specific and diagnosis can only be obtained on the basis of cerebrospinal fluid results. Adapted antibiotics are required.
Wilhelm
J M
JM
Service de Médecine, Centre hospitalier Saint-Morand, Altkirch.
Saraceni
O
O
Penner
M F
MF
Trévoux
A
A
Kieffer
P
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002169:Campylobacter Infections / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000188:drug therapy; D002168:Campylobacter fetus; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016920:Meningitis, Bacterial / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000188:drug therapy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents