Brain Abscess Due to Lactobacillus Fermentum in an Uncontrolled Diabetic

Abstract

Brain abscesses are collections of infectious fluid within the brain parenchyma, with mortality ranging from 15% to 31%. They can result from direct inoculation or via hematogenous spread. Streptococcus and staphylococcus species and Gram-negative bacilli are common bacteria responsible for brain abscesses. In immunocompromised patients, such as those with organ transplants or HIV, brain abscesses can be caused by fungi, mycobacteria, or parasites. Lactobacillus is a very rare cause of brain abscess and has only been observed in a few case reports. We report a case of a woman with uncontrolled diabetes who presented with altered mental status and was found to have a brain abscess secondary to Lactobacillus fermentum .