Microbial aetiology of brain abscess in a UK cohort: Prominent role of Streptococcus intermedius.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Brain abscess is an uncommon condition, but carries high mortality. Current treatment guidelines are based on limited data. Surveillance of clinical, radiological and microbiology data is important to inform patient stratification, interventions, and antimicrobial stewardship.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective, observational study of patients with brain abscess, based on hospital coding, in a UK tertiary referral teaching hospital. We reviewed imaging data, laboratory microbiology, and antibiotic prescriptions.

Results

Over a 47 month period, we identified 47 adults with bacterial brain abscess (77% male, median age 47 years). Most of the abscesses were solitary frontal or parietal lesions. A microbiological diagnosis was secured in 39/47 (83%) of cases,

SUBMITTER: Darlow CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7267774 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature