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Staphylococcus intermedius--rare pathogen of acute meningitis

Peter Durdik1, Marian Fedor, Milos Jesenak

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Kollarova 2, Martin, Slovak Republic. peter.durdik@gmail.com

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
|January 8, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study details the first reported case of acute meningitis caused by Staphylococcus intermedius in an infant. Successful antibiotic treatment led to a full recovery, highlighting a rare pathogen in pediatric meningitis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Acute meningitis is a serious infection of the central nervous system, commonly caused by bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae or Neisseria meningitidis.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric meningitis cases.

Observation:

  • An 11-month-old infant presented with clinical signs consistent with acute meningitis.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed elevated neutrophils and protein levels, indicative of inflammation.
  • Microbiological examination identified Staphylococcus intermedius as the causative agent, an uncommon pathogen for meningitis.

Findings:

  • The case represents the first documented instance of acute meningitis attributed to Staphylococcus intermedius.
  • The infant received cefotaxime, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.
  • The patient experienced a complete recovery following the prescribed antibiotic regimen.

Implications:

  • This case expands the spectrum of known pathogens causing bacterial meningitis in infants.
  • It underscores the importance of comprehensive microbiological investigations to identify atypical causative agents.
  • Awareness of Staphylococcus intermedius as a potential meningitis pathogen is crucial for timely and effective treatment in pediatric populations.

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