Odontogenic brain abscess caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus constellatus: a case report and review article.

BACKGROUND

Odontogenic brain abscess is a rare, but potentially fatal, central nervous system infection, with insidious onset and unclear etiology.

METHODS

This case reports a 70-year-old male patient who developed an odontogenic brain abscess secondary to periodontal infection and underwent neurological surgery. Extract pus during surgery for the metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS).

RESULTS

The mNGS of pus samples obtained from brain abscess aspiration identified the periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus constellatus. Consequently, he was referred to the department of stomatology for further examination and treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found that major periodontal pathogens including P. gingivalis and S. constellatus were essential in the development of odontogenic brain abscesses; thus, timely intervention and preventive measures are important for treatment.