Neonatal meningitis caused by coxsackievirus B5

Enteroviral infections are more severe in neonates than in older children, and coxsackievirus B is most frequently associated with severe neonatal disease. We summarize the course and clinical data of four neonates with meningitis caused by coxsackievirus B5. Their clinical symptoms and signs were persistent fever, poor appetite, and decreased activity, with vomiting in two. Laboratory analysis of cerebrospinal fluid revealed the following: white blood count, 340-660/mm3; red blood count, 0-250/ mm3; glucose level, 47-59 mg/dl; and total protein level, 70-106 mg/dl. Echocardiography showed normal heart function. Final bacterial cultures of the cerebrospinal fluid showed no growth, whereas viral cultures showed coxsackievirus B5. All patients recovered without intravenous immunoglobulin. No complications occurred at 6-month follow-up.