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Childhood meningitis caused by enterococci and viridans streptococci

C T Koorevaar1, P G Scherpenzeel, H J Neijens

  • 1Dept. of Pediatrics, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Infection
|May 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Meningitis in children caused by enterococci or viridans streptococci is rare, often linked to underlying conditions and procedures. Recovery is generally favorable for these pediatric meningitis cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Enterococci and viridans streptococci are uncommon causes of bacterial meningitis in children.
  • These infections represent a small fraction of pediatric bacterial meningitis cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate clinical and laboratory features of meningitis caused by enterococci and viridans streptococci in pediatric patients.
  • To identify predisposing factors and outcomes associated with these specific meningitis pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients diagnosed with meningitis.
  • Isolation and identification of enterococci or viridans streptococci from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
  • Review of clinical data, including patient history, underlying conditions, and laboratory CSF parameters.

Main Results:

  • Nine cases of meningitis due to enterococci or viridans streptococci were identified over a nine-year period.
  • These infections occurred predominantly in infants under one year old.
  • Common predisposing factors included neurosurgical procedures, head trauma, and severe gastroenteritis.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed moderate elevation in leukocytes and protein, with normal or slightly decreased glucose levels.

Conclusions:

  • Meningitis caused by enterococci or viridans streptococci in children is associated with significant underlying medical conditions and procedures.
  • The prognosis for recovery in these cases is generally good despite the presence of predisposing factors.
  • Early identification and management are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric meningitis.

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