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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Neonatal bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus
Sagano Onoyama1,2, Reina Ogata1,2, Akihito Wada3
1Department of Pediatrics, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
Abstract:
This report describes a case of neonatal bacteraemia and meningitis due to Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus. Based on the identification kit results, this species may have been reported as Streptococcus bovis or S. bovis biotype II. The accurate identification of this organism is mandatory for evaluating the aetiology of neonatal meningitis.
Insights
This case report details neonatal meningitis and bacteremia caused by Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus. Accurate identification is crucial for understanding neonatal meningitis causes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neonatal infections pose significant risks to infant health.
- Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies are known human pathogens.
- Accurate bacterial identification is essential for effective treatment and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of neonatal meningitis and bacteremia caused by Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus.
- To highlight the importance of precise identification of this pathogen in neonates.
- To discuss the potential misidentification of this species as Streptococcus bovis.
Main Methods:
- Case report.
- Bacterial culture and identification from blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
- Review of relevant literature.
Main Results:
- Isolation of Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus from a neonate with meningitis and bacteremia.
- Potential misclassification of the isolate as Streptococcus bovis or S. bovis biotype II by standard identification kits.
- Successful treatment of the neonate.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus can cause severe neonatal infections.
- Accurate identification of this bacterium is critical and may require advanced methods beyond standard kits.
- Misidentification can obscure the true etiological agent of neonatal meningitis, impacting clinical management.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Viral Meningitis
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Streptococcal Pharyngitis

