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Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus meningitis in an infant

Yoshiko Takahashi1, Naruhiko Ishiwada, Junko Tanaka

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, Chiba, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|April 16, 2014
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of infant meningitis caused by Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus (formerly S. bovis biotype II/2) was reported. The infection, originating from the intestinal tract, highlights the need for further research into its pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Case Reports

Background:

  • Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus, previously known as S. bovis biotype II/2, is a rare cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis.
  • Limited reports exist on meningitis caused by this specific subspecies following its taxonomic reclassification.
  • The pathogenesis of late-onset meningitis due to S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus in infants remains poorly understood.

Observation:

  • A case of meningitis in a 5-week-old infant presenting with preceding diarrhea is described.
  • S. bovis biotype II/2 was isolated from the infant's blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and stool samples.
  • 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the isolate as S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus.

Findings:

  • Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed identical profiles for isolates from all three sample types (blood, CSF, stool).
  • This genetic similarity strongly suggests a common source of infection.
  • The intestinal tract is implicated as the likely origin of the invasive S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus infection.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus to cause severe infections like meningitis in infants.
  • It highlights the importance of considering the intestinal tract as a reservoir for such infections.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms and risk factors contributing to S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus meningitis in neonates and infants.
Keywords:
Streptococcus bovisStreptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianusinfantmeningitispulsed-field gel electrophoresis

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