Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated brain abscesses caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus: two case and a review of the literature

Abstract

Abstract Background Bacterial and fungal superinfections are commonly reported in patients with coronavirus disease 2019. Case presentation We report the first case of brain and intramedullary abscesses caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a rare case of brain abscesses caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in two post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients. The first patient—34-year-old Iranian woman—presented with weakness of the left upper limb, headaches, and lower limb paresthesia. She had a history of undiagnosed diabetes and had received corticosteroid therapy. The second patient—45-year-old Iranian man—presented with right-sided weakness and had a history of intensive care unit admission. Both patients passed away despite appropriate medical therapy. Conclusion The immune dysregulation induced by coronavirus disease 2019 and its’ treatments can predispose patients, especially immunosuppressed ones, to bacterial and fungal infections with unusual and opportunistic pathogens in the central nervous system. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus should be considered as potential causes of brain infection in any coronavirus disease 2019 patient presenting with neurological symptoms and evidence of brain abscess in imaging, regardless of sinonasal involvement. These patients should get started on appropriate antimicrobial therapy as soon as possible, as any delay in diagnosis or treatment can be associated with adverse outcomes.