Central Nervous System Infections Due to Group: A Single-Center Case Series.

BACKGROUND

The group is known for its pathogenicity and tendency for abscess formation. The group also causes brain abscesses, yet few studies describe this presentation in the pediatric neurology literature. We describe 5 patients with central nervous system infection due to group evaluated by child neurologists at the University of Iowa from 2014 to 2020.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective case series review of electronic medical records detailing the clinical presentation and course of pediatric patients with group-associated central nervous system infection.

RESULTS

We identified 4 males and 1 female (8, 11, 14, 16, and 21 years). Brain imaging showed abscesses in 4 cases and empyema in 1. All underwent neurosurgical intervention and antibiotic treatment. Cultures obtained during the neurosurgical procedure grew group (4 cases with and 1 with ). An 8-year-old boy with a delayed diagnosis died from brain herniation.

CONCLUSIONS

Central nervous system infections due to the group can be life-threatening. Neuroimaging plays a key role in the early identification of abscesses. Prompt surgical intervention and timely initiation of antibiotics are critical for optimal outcomes.