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Nosocomial meningitis in neonates caused by Streptococcus agalactiae

B Rudinsky1, A Ondrusova, F Bauer

  • 1John Paul School of Missiology and Tropical Health, Bratislava, Slovakia.

Neuro Endocrinology Letters
|June 15, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus agalactiae meningitis is rare in neonates due to prophylaxis. However, 5 cases occurred in pediatric patients, with 3 experiencing neurological issues despite successful treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatal Neurology
  • Bacterial Meningitis

Background:

  • Neonatal meningitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae is infrequent due to maternal ampicillin prophylaxis.
  • Despite prophylaxis, nosocomial meningitis remains a concern in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence and outcomes of Streptococcus agalactiae meningitis in pediatric patients.
  • To analyze treatment strategies and neurological sequelae in affected neonates.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of pediatric nosocomial meningitis cases over 15 years.
  • Review of clinical data, treatment regimens, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Five cases of Streptococcus agalactiae meningitis were identified among 171 pediatric nosocomial meningitis cases.
  • All affected patients were neonates, with two cases occurring post-neurosurgery.
  • Successful treatment was achieved with cefotaxime/ceftazidime plus aminoglycosides, sometimes with vancomycin or ampicillin, but 3 patients had neurological sequelae.

Conclusions:

  • Streptococcus agalactiae remains a potential cause of neonatal meningitis, particularly in nosocomial settings.
  • Aggressive antibiotic therapy can cure the infection, but neurological sequelae, including hydrocephalus and speech delay, may persist.

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