Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports (Mar 2023)

A Case of Coccidioidal Meningitis With Biofilm Obstructing VP Shunt Due to

  • Rupam Sharma MD,
  • Royce H. Johnson MD,
  • Gerard R. David MD,
  • Majid Rahimifar MD,
  • Arash Heidari MD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/23247096231159810
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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Herein described is a case of biofilm obstructing ventriculoperitoneal shunt due to Cutibacteirum acnes infection in a patient with coccidioidal meningitis. Cutibacterium acnes infects and obstructs cerebral shunts by the production of biofilm; however, diagnosis is usually missed by routine aerobic cultures. Obtaining anaerobic cultures routinely in patients with foreign body implants leading to central nervous system infections could prevent a missed diagnosis of this pathogen. Penicillin G is the first-line treatment.