CASE COMMUNICATIONS
IMAJ | volume 27
Journal 10, October 2025
pages: 664-666
Successful Salvage of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Using Rifampicin in Staphylococcus epidermidis Infection
1 Department of Pediatrics Hematology and Oncology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
2 Department of Pediatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
3 Department of Neurosurgery, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
Summary
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement is a standard treatment for pediatric hydrocephalus. However, infection remains a significant complication, occurring in 5–27% of cases, with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CONS) and Staphylococcus aureus being the most common pathogens [1]. Current guidelines recommend empirical antibiotic treatment and surgical removal of the infected shunt [2]. While shunt removal and replacement are recommended for managing shunt infections, these procedures subject the child to the risks associated with multiple surgeries. However, recent approaches have suggested that in certain cases antibiotics alone may suffice, thus avoiding the risks of surgery [3].
We describe two children with VPS infections caused by CONS who were successfully treated with vancomycin and rifampicin alone, without the need for shunt removal.