Uncommon pathogen Bacillus cereus causing subdural empyema in a child

Abstract

Background: Subdural empyema (SDE) in children is a severe intracranial infection. Many pathogens can cause SDE.

Case Details: In this articlewe present a 15-month old Indonesian boy diagnosed as SDE based on the clinical symptoms and neuroimaging. A complete blood count showed white blood cell count of 13.800/mm3 and the CRP level was 8.3 mg/L. Craniotomy following burr hole drainage procedure was performed to decrease intracranial pressure. The liquor culture indicated Bacillus cereus. A meropenem injection and metronidazole infusion were administered appropriately with antibiotic sensitivity for several weeks. Immediate initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy related to an accelerated surgical drainage can improve the outcome.

Conclusion: The combination of medication and surgery treatment for Bacillus cereus in SDE resulted in a good response, leaving neurological sequelae.

Keywords: Subdural empyema, children, bacillus cereus