Multiple Cerebral Abscesses Caused by Eikenella corrodens in a Child: A Case Report

Abstract

Eikenella corrodens is a normal flora, Gram-negative bacilli colonizing the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract’s oral cavity and mucosa surfaces. It can cause severe invasive disease in humans but rarely causes central nervous system infections, especially in children. This study aims to highlight the clinical presentations of central nervous infection caused by the fastidious organism, E. corrodens in children and to raise awareness among paediatricians and microbiologists. We report a case of a child with multiple cerebral abscesses complicated by hydrocephalus caused by E. corrodens, which was believed to be associated with dental infection and submandibular abscess secondary to poor dental hygiene. The child underwent dental clearance with oral rehabilitation before proceeded with drainage of cerebral abscess. Despite surgical drainage and appropriate antimicrobial therapy, the child passed away three weeks after admission. E. corrodens should be considered as a causative agent of central nervous system infection especially when there is a high risk of exposure to oral flora such as dental infections and periodontal manipulations.