Korean J Gastroenterol.  2019 Apr;73(4):230-234. 10.4166/kjg.2019.73.4.230.

Concomitant Liver and Brain Abscesses Caused by Parvimonas Micra

• Kim EY
• Baek YH
• Jung DS
• Woo KS

• KMID: 2443637
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4166/kjg.2019.73.4.230

Abstract

Anaerobic infections have been reported to be responsible for 3-10% of pyogenic liver abscesses in Korea, and reported anaerobes include Fusobacterium, Bacillus fragilis, and Bacteroides melaninogenicus. Parvimonas micra is an anaerobic, Gram-positive, non-spore-forming bacterial species and a constituent of normal flora on skin, vagina, gastrointestinal tract, and oral cavity that can cause opportunistic infections. However, it has only rarely been reported to be a cause of liver abscess; only one such case has been reported in Korea. We experienced a case of concomitant liver and brain abscesses caused by Parvimonas micra in a non-immunodeficient 65-year-old female patient without diabetes or periodontal disease. Parvimonas micra infection was confirmed by blood culture using VITEK® 2 cards and by bacterial 16s ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. We conclude that we should not overlook anaerobes as a cause of liver abscess.

Keyword

Liver abscess; Brain abscess; Parvimonas Micra; Bacteria, anaerobic

MeSH Terms

Aged
Bacillus
Bacteria, Anaerobic
Brain Abscess*
Brain*
Female
Fusobacterium
Gastrointestinal Tract
Humans
Korea
Liver Abscess
Liver Abscess, Pyogenic
Liver*
Mouth
Opportunistic Infections
Periodontal Diseases
Prevotella melaninogenica
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
Skin
Vagina
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Axial contrast-enhanced T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging taken at admission showing multifocal brain abscesses.

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  Fig. 2 (A) Chest computed tomography (CT) image taken at admission showing multiple ill-defined non-calcified nodules (arrows indicate septic embolic lesions). (B) Abdominal CT image showing an irregular, septated low density lesion in liver segments IV/VIII.

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  Fig. 3 Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging taken 14 days after admission showing aggravation of brain abscesses and edema.

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