Infection of cerebrospinal fluid shunt systems

• Published in: Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiología clínica Vol. 26; no. 4; p. 240
• Main Authors: Jiménez-Mejías, Manuel E, García-Cabrera, Emilio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.04.2008
• Subjects: Algorithms; Bacterial Infections - diagnosis; Bacterial Infections - etiology; Bacterial Infections - physiopathology; Bacterial Infections - therapy; Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts - adverse effects; Humans
• ISSN: 0213-005X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0213-005X(08)72696-X

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt infection is a cause of considerable morbidity and mortality. Shunt infection is produced mainly during surgery and by surgical wound infection. Staphylococcus spp. (> 50% methicillin-resistant) are the most common causative bacteria, although gram-negative bacilli (10%-25%) and Propionibacterium acnes are becoming increasingly implicated. Shunt malfunction syndrome and fever are the most frequent clinical manifestations, whereas signs of meningeal irritation are uncommon. Other clinical manifestations depend on the location of the distal catheter. CSF should be obtained by puncture of the shunt reservoir or the distal catheter and processed for biochemical analyses, cell count, Gram stain, and aerobic and anaerobic cultures (lengthy incubation). Because of biofilm formation and to avoid recurrences, the recommended treatment is intravenous antibiotics plus removal of all components of the infected shunt, followed by placement of an external drainage catheter and a new shunt. Prophylaxis is important and can include antimicrobial prophylaxis and/or antibiotic-impregnated catheters.