Meningitis following spinal anesthesia: 6 cases in 5 years
Lisa Rubin1, Hannah Sprecher, Ahmed Kabaha
1Haifa District Health Office, Haifa, Israel. lisa.p.rubin@gmail.com
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|September 11, 2007
Summary
Six cases of meningitis following spinal anesthesia were linked to a single anesthesiologist over five years. Streptococcus salivarius was identified in some cases, suggesting potential aseptic technique breaches.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Meningitis following spinal anesthesia is a rare but serious complication.
- Maintaining strict aseptic technique during spinal procedures is crucial to prevent infection.
Observation:
- Six cases of meningitis were reported over a five-year period.
- Five of these cases occurred within a concentrated 14-month timeframe.
- A single anesthesiologist was associated with all six cases at one hospital.
Findings:
- One initial case was culture-positive for Streptococcus salivarius.
- Subsequent cases were culture-negative, but bacterial DNA of S. salivarius was detected via 16S rRNA gene sequencing in two.
- The temporal and locational clustering suggests a common source or procedural link.
Implications:
- Potential breaches in aseptic technique during spinal anesthesia administration require investigation.
- This series highlights the importance of rigorous adherence to sterile protocols in anesthesia.
- Further review of the anesthesiologist's practices may be warranted to prevent future occurrences.
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