A Case Report of GBS Meningitis in Healthy Adolescent

Abstract

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B, -hemolytic Streptococcus; GBS) is a common causative agent of infection in pregnant women, newborns, and children less than three-year-old. GBS consists of naturally colonized bacteria in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract of adults. Invasive GBS infection cases in non-pregnant adults had been a two to four-fold increase in the last two decades. Commonly, those were indiviuals with underlying disease; diabetes mellitus, cancer, immunocompromised, and immunosuppressive drug use. The most common manifestation of invasive GBS infection is primary bloodstream infection (bacteremia without a localized source). While localized GBS infection, skin-soft tissue infection (subcutaneous abscess) is the most frequent form. GBS meningitis is a rare condition in adults (incidence is approximately 0.15 cases in 100,000 persons), additional reported risk factors are craniotomy, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, infective endocarditis, and sexual intercourse. This case report described GBS meningitis in an uncommon aged group, a male adolescent with no underlying disease and risk factors. He presented with high-grade fever and severe headache. GBS was identified from cerebrospinal fluid and blood culture, leading to a confirmed diagnosis of GBS meningitis and bacteremia. Appropriate antibiotic and supportive treatment were given to this patient. He was in complete recovery without sequelae.