[Bacterial meningitis following spinal anaesthesia]

A 37-year-old man in a status epilepticus due to meningitis was admitted to Intensive Care because of respiratory insufficiency. Spinal fluid culture yielded Streptococcus salivarius. Despite extensive diagnostics, the source of this bacterium could not be found. However, the patient had recently undergone spinal anaesthesia for surgery on a toe ulcer, from which other bacteria were cultured. The patient died 2 weeks after admission with a picture of multiple organ failure. Bacterial meningitis following spinal anaesthesia may be the result of impairment of the blood-brain barrier due to a sudden drop of spinal fluid pressure during the puncture, or of the introduction of bacteria from the hair follicles or from a haematoma caused by the needle or the introducer. Hygienic measures and a proper technique when performing regional anaesthesia are important in preventing the dissemination of bacteria.