Linezolid in the treatment of brain abscess due to Peptostreptococcus

Abstract

Brain abscesses can be caused by bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Among bacteria, anaerobic organisms include the Bacteroides species group, Fusobacterium, Peptostreptococcus, and Propionibacterium. In these cases, a 4-week course of parenteral penicillin/cefalosporin and metronidazole is the standard of treatment. We describe a case of brain abscess secondary to anaerobic infection with Peptostreptococcus, which was successfully treated with parenteral and oral linezolid after failure of standard therapy.