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08:27
Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat
Published on: October 29, 2014
Neuroinfections due to Enterococcus faecalis in children
J Benca1, A Ondrusova, M Huttova
1John Paul School of Missiology and Tropical Health, Bratislava, Slovakia.
Neuro Endocrinology Letters
|June 15, 2007
Summary
Enterococcal meningitis is a rare complication in neonates, often linked to medical procedures. Early treatment with ampicillin or vancomycin is crucial for suspected cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Enterococcal meningitis is a rare but serious complication in neonates, particularly those who are immunocompromised, premature, or have undergone neurosurgical procedures.
- Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is a significant cause of nosocomial meningitis in this vulnerable population.
- Risk factors include very low birth weight, severe prematurity, ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion, and perinatal trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics, treatment outcomes, and antibiotic susceptibility of Enterococcal meningitis in a cohort of neonates.
- To evaluate the mortality rate associated with E. faecalis meningitis in neonates.
- To provide recommendations for early empiric therapy in suspected cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 10 cases of nosocomial meningitis caused by E. faecalis in neonates.
- Assessment of antibiotic susceptibility patterns for E. faecalis strains.
- Comparison of mortality rates with historical data.
Main Results:
- All E. faecalis strains were susceptible to vancomycin and chloramphenicol.
- 90% of strains were susceptible to gentamicin and ampicillin.
- The mortality rate in the studied group of 10 neonates was 20%, a slight increase compared to the overall meningitis mortality rate (15.1%) over 15 years.
Conclusions:
- Enterococcal meningitis, particularly E. faecalis, poses a significant threat to immunocompromised neonates.
- Vancomycin and ampicillin demonstrate good susceptibility rates and should be considered in early empiric therapy when enterococcal etiology is suspected.
- Prompt and appropriate antibiotic treatment is vital to improve outcomes in neonatal enterococcal meningitis.
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