Group A Streptococcal Brain Abscess in The Pediatric Population – Case Series and Review of The Literature

BACKGROUND: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a rare cause of central nervous system infections. METHODS: We describe 3 new cases of GAS brain abscess in previously healthy children treated by us between 2015 and 2016 and review the 5 cases reported in the literature since 1988. RESULTS: All 8 children received early empiric antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention, and 5 made a full recovery. CONCLUSIONS: GAS brain abscess is a rare infection; however its incidence may be rising. We suggest that if patients show symptoms such as fever, vomiting and lethargy, with contiguous infection such as otitis media, mastoiditis, sinusitis or meningitis, GAS brain abscess should be suspected. Prognosis is expected to be good with early implementation of appropriate treatment.