An Unusual Case of Group B Streptococcal Meningitis with Concomitant Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection in a Previously Healthy Male

Abstract

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a well-known organism that can be part of the normal gastrointestinal and genital tract flora. However, it can cause various infections, mostly in neonates, pregnant women, and patients with predisposing factors. Meningitis caused by GBS, though common in neonates, is uncommon in adults, especially those with no previous health issues. Here, we present an unusual case of GBS meningitis in a 22-year-old previously healthy man. He came to the emergency room with complaints of acute headache and an altered level of consciousness, and his cerebrospinal fluid analysis was consistent with bacterial meningitis due to Streptococcus agalactiae. Later, vesicular lesions on his face caused by varicellazoster virus (VZV) infection complicated his situation. He received intravenous ceftriaxone and dexamethasone and oral acyclovir. He had a complete recovery and was discharged without any sequelae. Though uncommon, this serious condition needs prompt diagnosis and treatment due to its high mortality rate. To our knowledge, this is one of the few known cases of GBS meningitis in a previously healthy adult and the only one to report VZV infection as a possible complication.