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A new twist on an old problem: a case of pediatric meningitis caused by multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae

W Ciccotelli1, S Poutanen, S Morris

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Canada Communicable Disease Report = Releve Des Maladies Transmissibles Au Canada
|December 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A causes invasive pneumococcal disease. A case of 19A meningitis was successfully treated with vancomycin and levofloxacin, highlighting treatment needs.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A is an emerging pathogen causing invasive pneumococcal disease.
  • The prevalence of serotype 19A has increased following the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines like Prevnar.

Observation:

  • A case of meningitis caused by multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A was reported.
  • The patient presented with symptoms indicative of severe pneumococcal infection.

Findings:

  • The meningitis case was successfully treated with a combination of vancomycin and levofloxacin.
  • This treatment regimen proved effective against the multidrug-resistant strain.

Implications:

  • The findings underscore the importance of empiric vancomycin use in suspected meningitis cases.
  • Alternative treatment strategies are crucial for managing infections caused by resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae strains.

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