A 33-year-old female patient presented with brain abscess. On aspiration it was foul smelling and gave red fluorescence on UV light, likely diagnosis is
**Core Concept**
Brain abscess is a serious infection that occurs within the brain tissue, often as a result of bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections. The presentation of a foul-smelling discharge with red fluorescence under UV light is a characteristic feature of a specific type of brain abscess.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The presence of a foul-smelling discharge with red fluorescence under UV light is highly suggestive of a brain abscess caused by Bacteroides fragilis, a type of anaerobic bacterium. B. fragilis produces a porphyrin-like compound that exhibits red fluorescence under UV light, which is a diagnostic clue for this type of infection. The foul odor is also consistent with anaerobic bacterial metabolism.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** While Staphylococcus aureus can cause brain abscesses, it does not typically produce a foul-smelling discharge or exhibit red fluorescence under UV light.
**Option B:** Streptococcus pneumoniae can also cause brain abscesses, but it is not associated with the characteristic features mentioned.
**Option C:** E. coli is a common cause of urinary tract infections and other extraintestinal infections, but it is not typically associated with brain abscesses or the described diagnostic features.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Anaerobic bacteria, including B. fragilis, are often found in brain abscesses that occur in the setting of otitis media, mastoiditis, or other head and neck infections. Remember the "red glow" of B. fragilis under UV light as a diagnostic clue for anaerobic brain abscess.
**Correct Answer:** C.