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Impetigo neonatorum associated with late onset group B streptococcal meningitis

Ananya Guha1, Michael Eisenhut, Paul Shears

  • 1Royal Liverpool Childrens NHS Trust, Alder Hey, Eaton Road, Liverpool L12 2AP, UK.

The Journal of Infection
|July 16, 2003
PubMed

Insights

A 12-day-old infant developed late-onset group B streptococcal meningitis alongside nonbullous impetigo neonatorum. Both conditions successfully resolved with antibiotic treatment, marking the first reported instance of meningitis during this skin infection.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal medicine
  • Infectious diseases
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common cause of neonatal infections.
  • Impetigo neonatorum is a superficial bacterial skin infection in newborns.
  • Late-onset GBS disease typically presents after the first week of life.

Observation:

  • A 12-day-old infant presented with nonbullous impetigo neonatorum.
  • The infant subsequently developed symptoms consistent with meningitis.
  • Cultures confirmed the presence of group B Streptococcus in both skin lesions and cerebrospinal fluid.

Findings:

  • This case represents the first documented instance of meningitis occurring concurrently with nonbullous impetigo neonatorum.
  • Both the skin infection and the meningitis were effectively treated with appropriate antibiotic therapy.
  • The infant experienced a full recovery without long-term sequelae.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a potential, previously unreported association between nonbullous impetigo neonatorum and late-onset GBS meningitis.
  • Early recognition and prompt antibiotic treatment are crucial for managing both conditions in neonates.
  • Further research may be warranted to explore the potential link and underlying mechanisms between these neonatal conditions.

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