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Bacterial meningitis caused by Veillonella parvula
Acta Paediatrica Japonica : Overseas Edition
|October 1, 1989
Summary
A child developed severe meningitis caused by anaerobic bacteria, Veillonella parvula, following an eyelid injury. Prompt treatment with chloramphenicol was effective, highlighting the need to consider anaerobic meningitis in head infections.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- A pediatric case involving a three-year-old girl with an eyelid injury initially treated with oral antibiotics.
- Development of severe symptoms including eyelid swelling, fever, and vomiting, suggesting a deeper infection.
Observation:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed high white blood cells (WBC), elevated protein, and low sugar, indicative of bacterial meningitis.
- Initial Gram stain showed Gram-negative organisms, but aerobic cultures were sterile.
- Subsequent anaerobic culture of CSF identified Veillonella parvula as the causative agent.
Findings:
- The patient presented with severe meningitis originating from a localized eyelid abscess.
- Standard antibiotic treatments (penicillins, cefotaxime, fosfomycin) were ineffective against Veillonella parvula.
- Intravenous chloramphenicol successfully treated the meningitis, preventing neurological complications.
Implications:
- This case represents the first reported instance of Veillonella meningitis.
- Highlights the critical importance of considering anaerobic bacterial meningitis in cases of preceding pyogenic infections in the head.
- Emphasizes the need for appropriate diagnostic methods, including anaerobic cultures, for complex infections.