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[Fulminant meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Report of three cases]

Luis Kenji Carmona-Furusho1, C Raúl Ariza-Andraca, Felipe Iniestra-Flores

  • 1Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.

Revista Medica Del Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social
|February 25, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae causes severe meningitis, even with advanced antibiotics. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy are crucial for improving patient outcomes in these critical infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is a growing global health concern, with prevalence reaching up to 50% in some regions like Mexico.
  • S. pneumoniae causes various diseases, notably severe respiratory tract infections and meningitis.

Observation:

  • This paper details three cases of fulminant meningitis caused by penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae.
  • These cases exhibited rapid progression, including neurological focalization, loss of consciousness, coma, and death within one week, despite treatment with third and fourth-generation cephalosporins.

Findings:

  • S. pneumoniae resistant to penicillin was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid in all reported cases.
  • Fulminant meningitis due to this resistant strain led to poor prognoses and fatalities.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should be vigilant for penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae meningitis, especially in severe or rapidly progressing cases.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for selecting appropriate antibiotic therapy to potentially alter the grim prognosis associated with these infections.

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