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Two cases of fatal meningitis due to Fusobacterium necrophorum

Esther S Veldhoen1, Tom F Wolfs, Adrianus J van Vught

  • 1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands. E.S.Veldhoen@UmcUtrecht.nl <E.S.Veldhoen@UmcUtrecht.nl>

Pediatric Neurology
|April 18, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Fusobacterium necrophorum meningitis is a growing concern in children following respiratory infections. Prompt diagnosis and prolonged antibiotics are crucial due to penicillin resistance and the risk of fatal cerebral thrombosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Fusobacterium necrophorum is an increasingly recognized pathogen causing serious infections in children.
  • Otitis and upper respiratory tract infections are common preceding conditions.
  • Meningitis due to this organism requires specific management considerations.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric cases of fatal meningitis caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit in December 2004.
  • Both patients had histories suggestive of preceding otitis or upper respiratory tract infections.
  • Clinical presentation indicated severe invasive disease.

Findings:

  • Fusobacterium necrophorum can cause severe meningitis in children.
  • The organism is often resistant to penicillin, necessitating alternative or prolonged antibiotic treatment.
  • Invasive infections carry a significant risk of cerebral vessel thrombosis, a potentially fatal complication.

Implications:

  • Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for Fusobacterium necrophorum meningitis in at-risk children.
  • Rapid microbiological identification is essential for appropriate treatment selection.
  • Awareness of penicillin resistance and the risk of thrombosis is critical for improving patient outcomes.

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