Work

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

Year: 2026

Type: article

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.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.105642

Authors: Paola Kaira, Oleksandr Semeniuk, Ahmed Abdelmonem, Lei Lynn

Institution: George Washington University

Language: English

Topic: Infective Endocarditis Diagnosis and Management

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7140027779