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Streptococcus bovis meningitis in an infant
R J Grant1, T R Whitehead, J E Orr
1A. O. Fox Memorial Hospital, Oneonta, New York 13820, USA.
Abstract:
Streptococcus bovis is a nonenterococcal, group D streptococcus which has been identified as a causative agent for serious human infections, including endocarditis, bacteremia, and septic arthritis. Several cases of adult S. bovis meningitis have been reported, usually in association with underlying disease. In the neonatal period, it is an uncommon agent of meningitis. We report, to our knowledge, the third documented case of neonatal S. bovis meningitis in the English language literature. As in the previous cases, this neonate showed no anatomical or congenital immunologic lesion which might be expected to predispose the patient to meningitis. Sequencing of the 16S ribosomal DNA gene was performed and a new PCR test was used to secure a more reliable identification of the strain.
Insights
Neonatal meningitis caused by Streptococcus bovis is rare. This case highlights a third documented instance in neonates, emphasizing the need for reliable identification methods for this pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Streptococcus bovis, a group D streptococcus, is a known cause of serious human infections.
- While common in adults, S. bovis meningitis is rare in neonates, often linked to underlying conditions.
Observation:
- This report details the third documented case of neonatal meningitis attributed to Streptococcus bovis in English literature.
- The affected neonate presented without apparent anatomical or congenital immunologic predisposing factors.
Findings:
- Advanced molecular techniques, including 16S ribosomal DNA gene sequencing and a novel PCR assay, were employed for precise strain identification.
- These methods confirmed the identification of Streptococcus bovis as the causative agent.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering Streptococcus bovis in neonatal meningitis, even in the absence of typical risk factors.
- Accurate and reliable identification of Streptococcus bovis is crucial for appropriate clinical management and understanding its role in neonatal infections.