Fulminant citrobacter meningitis with multiple periventricular abscesses in a three-month-old infant

P Anoop1, M A Anjay, Johny Vincent

  • 1Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Medical College, Calicut, Kerala, India. dranoopp@rediffmail.com

Insights

Citrobacter diversus meningitis is rare in infants beyond the neonatal period. This case highlights severe complications like hydrocephalus and brain abscesses, even with treatment, leading to a fatal outcome.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Neurology

Background:

  • Citrobacter species are Gram-negative enteric bacilli.
  • Citrobacter infections, particularly septicemia and meningitis, are uncommon outside the neonatal period.
  • These infections often present with severe clinical courses and complications.

Observation:

  • A three-month-old infant developed Citrobacter meningitis.
  • The infant experienced acute communicating hydrocephalus.
  • Multiple periventricular brain abscesses formed during antibiotic treatment.

Findings:

  • Citrobacter diversus caused meningitis in an infant.
  • Despite intensive antibiotic therapy, the infant's condition progressed.
  • The patient developed severe neurological complications including hydrocephalus and brain abscesses.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential severity of Citrobacter meningitis in infants.
  • It highlights the challenges in treating invasive Citrobacter infections.
  • Early recognition and aggressive management are crucial for potential better outcomes in rare pediatric meningitis cases.

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