Brain abscess caused by Morganella morganii: A case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

Morganella morganii is a Gram-negative enteric rod found in the intestinal tracts of humans, mammals, and reptiles as normal flora. It is highly implicated in urinary tract infections, wound infections, and septicemia. The cerebral nervous system, especially brain abscess attributed to M. morganii, remains extremely rare. To the best of the author's knowledge, only eight documented cerebral brain abscesses caused by M. morganii have been reported in the literature. A 48-year-old man presented with headache, fever, and irritability two months after endoscopic endonasal repair of the cranial base defect. Following imaging studies, a large left frontal abscess was found. The patient underwent a fine-needle aspiration through a burr hole following antimicrobial therapy. We report this case to create awareness among neurosurgeons and microbiologists that M. morganii, even though uncommon, is a cause of cerebral brain abscess. Prompt surgical management and appropriate antimicrobial therapy is the treatment of choice.