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An outbreak of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica neonatal meningitis in Mauritius

Mohammad I Issack1, Yaseen Neetoo

  • 1Central Health Laboratory, Victoria Hospital, Candos, Mauritius. missack@intnet.mu

Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
|December 16, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study details a large outbreak of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica (E. meningoseptica) neonatal meningitis. Prompt treatment with piperacillin and rifampicin led to better outcomes than previously reported.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is a rare cause of neonatal meningitis.
  • Outbreaks are typically small, making this a significant case series.
  • This study focuses on a relatively large outbreak in Mauritius.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the management and outcomes of a significant outbreak of E. meningoseptica neonatal meningitis.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy in a large cohort.
  • To inform clinical practice regarding this rare infection.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of eight neonatal meningitis cases caused by E. meningoseptica.
  • Infection control measures were implemented and environmental cultures performed.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid isolates were analyzed for antibiotic susceptibility.

Main Results:

  • Eight infants aged 6-20 days were affected, most with low birth weight.
  • All isolates showed identical antibiotic susceptibility.
  • Treatment with piperacillin and rifampicin resulted in recovery for most infants, with one death and two cases of hydrocephalus.

Conclusions:

  • The outcome of this outbreak was more favorable than previously documented.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for E. meningoseptica meningitis.
  • Piperacillin and rifampicin combination is a viable treatment option, pending susceptibility testing.

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