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Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat
Published on: October 29, 2014
Enterobacter cloacae: an "ICU bug" causing community acquired necrotizing meningo-encephalitis
Nitin Maheshwari1, Alison Shefler
1Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK. nitin023@rediffmail.com
European Journal of Pediatrics
|July 29, 2008
Summary
A rare case of community-acquired Enterobacter cloacae meningo-encephalitis rapidly affected a neonate. This highlights the need to consider E. cloacae in severely ill infants presenting from the community.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Enterobacter cloacae is a common nosocomial pathogen in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
- Community-acquired infections with E. cloacae are rare, especially invasive forms like meningo-encephalitis.
Observation:
- A three-week-old neonate presented with a rapidly progressive, severe illness after hospital discharge.
- Clinical presentation included multi-organ dysfunction and CT findings of severe hypoxic brain injury and herniation.
- Post-mortem examination confirmed E. cloacae meningo-encephalitis as the cause of death.
Findings:
- The neonate had no prior critical care exposure, indicating a community-acquired infection.
- Vertical transmission from mother to neonate is a potential route, given prior reports of intestinal colonization.
- This case represents a rare instance of severe, community-acquired E. cloacae meningo-encephalitis in an infant.
Implications:
- E. cloacae should be considered in the differential diagnosis for neonates presenting with severe illness from the community.
- Prompt and appropriate antimicrobial therapy is crucial for optimizing outcomes in suspected E. cloacae infections.
- Further investigation into non-nosocomial transmission routes of E. cloacae in neonates is warranted.
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