Corynebacterium striatum-Induced Meningitis in a Non-immunocompromised Patient

We present the case of a 46-year-old immunocompetent male diagnosed with meningitis caused by <i>Corynebacterium striatum</i>, a rare pathogen typically found in immunocompromised individuals. The diagnosis was confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture, which grew <i>C. striatum</i>, and was supported by the exclusion of other common pathogens causing meningitis, including viral etiology, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. This case highlights the potential of <i>C. striatum</i> to cause central nervous system (CNS) infections in otherwise healthy individuals. The patient had a history of prosthetic hip joint placement, which may have served as a potential source of infection. After appropriate antibiotic therapy with vancomycin and amikacin, the patient fully recovered. This case underscores the importance of considering uncommon pathogens in the differential diagnosis of meningitis, even in patients without traditional risk factors.