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Published on: November 16, 2016
Group-A-streptococcal meningitis in a 7-year-old child--a rare pathogen in a non-immune compromised patient
Leonarda Maria L M van Zitteren1, Niek L A Arents, Feico Halbertsma
1Pediatrics Department, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, Netherlands.
Insights
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) meningitis is rare in children but carries high risks. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, with follow-up for developmental and hearing issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Neurology
Background:
- Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a rare cause of pediatric meningitis.
- GAS meningitis is associated with significant morbidity (46%) and mortality (10%).
Observation:
- A case of meningitis in a 7-year-old female child caused by GAS is presented.
- GAS meningitis is often linked to ear-nose-throat (ENT) infections.
Findings:
- Bacterial typification frequently identifies M-protein gene sequence type (EMM type) 1.0 in invasive GAS infections.
- GAS is susceptible to empiric antibiotic therapies commonly used for meningitis.
Implications:
- A thorough search for a GAS reservoir, particularly ENT infections, is recommended.
- Post-treatment follow-up, including neurological and audiological assessments, is essential for affected children.
Abstract:
A case is presented of meningitis in a 7-year-old female child caused by Group A streptococcus (GAS), a rare bacterial cause of meningitis, with a high rate of morbidity (46%) and mortality (10%). GAS is susceptible for empiric antibiotic therapy aimed at the most prevalent pathogens of meningitis. As GAS meningitis is typically associated with ear-nose-throat (ENT) infections, specific search for a reservoir is advised. Bacterial typification often demonstrates M-protein gene sequence type (EMM type) 1.0 associated with upper respiratory tract infections and also severe, invasive GAS infections. Follow-up investigation including neurologic developmental status and audiologic testing is necessary. Although GAS is a very uncommon cause of acute bacterial meningitis in children, high morbidity and mortality have been reported. Being associated with ENT infections, a search for a GAS reservoir is proposed. GASs are susceptible for common empiric antibiotic therapies in meningitis. Follow-up investigation is necessary.
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