Gemella haemolysans brain abscess in a child with complex congenital heart disease

Abstract

Gemella haemolysans, a Gram positive cocci which are deemed to be the normal inhabitant of the mucous membranes of the oropharynx, has been recognized as a pathogen involved in abscess formation. The aim of this case report is to demonstrate that it is also involved in brain abscess in children. We report, to our knowledge, the first pediatric case of Gemella haemolysans brain abscess in an 11 years old child carrying a complex congenital heart disease (dextrocardia with single right ventricle) which evolved favorably under antibiotic therapy. Because of its similarity with Streptococcus viridans groupe, Gemella haemolysans often remains under-diagnosed in the laboratory. The contribution of microbiologists in its correct identification is very important.