Brain abscess due to Streptococcus acidominimus: first case report.
BACKGROUND
Streptococcus acidominimus resembles Streptococcus viridans, but they can now be differentiated by phenotypic studies. Only a single previous case of pneumonia, pericarditis, and meningitis has been reported.


METHODS
We recently encountered a patient with brain abscess from which S acidominimus was isolated after initially being recorded as S viridans. Because 49% of all S viridans isolated from abscesses are resistant to beta-lactam antimicrobials, speciation is important as well as in vitro sensitivity testing. Streptococcus acidominimus is ordinarily sensitive to beta-lactams, and the use of ceftriaxone for 6 weeks successfully resulted in cure of the brain abscess.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of speciation in treatment of S viridans should improve clinical outcomes.
Cone
Lawrence A
LA
Department of Medicine, Eisenhower Medical Center, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, USA. laconemedico@aol.com
Etebar
Shahin
S
Waterbor
Robert B
RB
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology*; D002443:Ceftriaxone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002443:Ceftriaxone