Meningitis caused by micrococcus luteus: Case report and review of literature

Abstract

Abstract Micrococcus Luteus is a gram positive, non-motile, non-sporing cocci belonging to micrococcea family. They are considered as normal comensal of human skin and upper respiratory tract. Few cases have been reported as opportunistic infection or catheter/ shunt related infection. We here report a case of meningitis caused by Miccrococus luteus in previously healthy infant. Keywords: Micrococcus. Introduction Micro (small) Coccus(spherical) Luteus(Yellow) is a gram positive, non-motile, non-sporing cocci belonging to micrococcea family.[1],[2]Initially named as Micrococci lysodeikticus by Alexander flaming who discovered them in 1928, later Ganz et al renamed them as Micrococcus luteus in 2002. They are considered as normal commensal of human skin and upper respiratory tract and are considered harmless.[3],[4],[5],[6]Few cases have been reported as opportunistic infection or catheter/ shunt related infection.[7],[8],[9],[10],[11],[12],[13],[14],[15],[16],We here report a case of meningitis caused by Miccrococus luteus in previously healthy infant. Case Summary One year old male was brought to emergency with history of fever for 3 days and seizures from last 15 min, Baby was immunized as per age with normal developmental milestones. Child was managed with iv fluids and anibiotics. Investigations sent showed normal electrolytes, leucocytosis with raised CRP, CSF examination showed 350 cells (60% mononuclear cells). CSF culture showed growth of gram positive cocci, identified as Micrococcus luteus by Vitek 2, sensitive to all the commonly used antibiotics. IV antibiotics were continued as per the sensitivity profile (Ceftriaxone). Infant responded to the treatment, became afebrile, had no episode of seizure after admission, but had depressed consciousness and dystonia. MRI brain showed bilateral mid brain infarct. Child was discharged after completion of 10 days antibiotics with residual neurological sequeae. Discussion Bacter