Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
10:19

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization

Published on: November 16, 2016

Streptococcal meningitis with an unusual port of entry

I Shadravan, J Fishbein, L J Hebert

    American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
    |February 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    A congenital dermal sinus tract in an infant caused persistent meningitis despite antibiotic treatment. Surgical removal of the sinus tract led to a complete recovery, highlighting the importance of identifying underlying anatomical causes.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
    • Neurosurgery
    • Congenital Abnormalities

    Background:

    • Meningitis in infants can be challenging to treat.
    • Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus is a known pathogen causing pediatric meningitis.
    • Persistent symptoms despite adequate antibiotic therapy warrant further investigation.

    Observation:

    • An 18-month-old boy presented with recurrent meningitis caused by group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus.
    • The patient exhibited persistent abnormal cerebrospinal fluid findings, fever, irritability, and poor feeding despite eight weeks of antibiotic treatment.
    • A congenital dermal sinus of the nose extending into the anterior cranial fossa was identified as the underlying cause.

    Findings:

    • Surgical excision of the congenital dermal sinus tract was performed.
    • The patient experienced a rapid and complete recovery following surgical intervention.
    • This case underscores the significance of congenital anatomical abnormalities in recurrent pediatric infections.

    Implications:

    • Congenital dermal sinuses are a potential source of recurrent central nervous system infections in children.
    • Early diagnosis and surgical management of congenital dermal sinuses are crucial for effective treatment of associated infections.
    • This case highlights the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach in refractory pediatric meningitis.

    More Related Videos

    Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model07:26

    Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model

    Published on: July 1, 2018

    Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery10:03

    Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

    Published on: November 5, 2019

    Related Concept Videos

    Bacterial Meningitis01:24

    Bacterial Meningitis

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
    Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

    Streptococcal Pharyngitis

    Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
    Viral Meningitis01:18

    Viral Meningitis

    Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
    Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

    Cryptococcal Meningitis

    Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
    Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

    Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

    Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...