Abstract

Introduction: Four cases of brain abscesses with Campylobacter rectus and C. gracilis were registered at Copenhagen University Hospital within a short period. Brain abscesses are serious, often life-threatening, conditions. C. rectus and C. gracilis are oral Campylobacters which may cause periodontitis, oral abscesses and sinusitis; a frequent focus for brain abscesses.

Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to search the Microbiology database and review the literature on Campylobacter spp. and brain abscesses to clarify this rare condition.

Materials and Methods: The Microbiology database was searched for Campylobacter spp. and abscesses. Three databases were searched for Campylobacter spp. and brain abscesses.

Results. In the Microbiology database four cases with Campylobacter spp. in brain abscesses were found: A 42-year-old male with periodontist had a brain abscess with C. gracilis and Fusobacterium spp. A 71-year-old woman had a brain abscess with C. rectus and F. nucleatum believed to arise from a middle ear infection. A 72-year-old man with a dental abscess had a brain abscess with C. rectus, Streptococcus anginosus and F. nucleatum and a 62-year-old woman with a tooth abscess had a brain abscess with C. rectus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. anginosus. The literature review revealed two patients with brain abscesses with C. rectus, one with brain abscess with C. gracilis, and one brain abscess with C. concisus.

Conclusion: Even though it is a rare condition to find Campylobacter spp. in brain abscesses it may be of interest to look for Campylobacter spp. as they are difficult to culture and may sometimes be overlooked.

Keywords: Campylobacter spp; Brain Abscesses

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