Actinomycotic Infections of the Central Nervous System

Abstract

Two cases of CNS infections caused by Actinomyces israelii one a fatal case of brain abscess and the other a case of subdural empyema with complete recovery, are reported. One of the patients suffered from a congenital ventricular septal defect, and in both patients a pulmonary focus was found. When slow-growing bacteria such as Actinomyces may be suspected, it is important to cultivate anaerobically for at least five days.