Isolation of Mycoplasma Hominis from Cerebrospinal Fluid

Abstract

A prematurely born child developed a febrile illness when 2 weeks old, with cerebral signs and a rapidly increasing hydrocephalus. Mycoplasma hominis was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid on several occasions. Specific antibodies were demonstrated in 3 serum samples by indirect immunofluorescence and indirect haemagglutination techniques, in one of these samples also by growth inhibition. Antibodies in low titre were also demonstrated in one serum sample from the mother. The findings strongly suggest that M. hominis was of etiological significance. The child died at the age of 3 months from a Candida albicans infection.