Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
08:46
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
5.5K
Salmonella berta meningitis in a term neonate
A C Bowe1, M Fischer1, L A Waggoner-Fountain2
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
Summary
A newborn developed Salmonella berta sepsis and meningitis from maternal transmission. Despite aggressive treatment, the infant experienced severe neurological complications, leading to comfort care.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Neonatal sepsis and meningitis pose significant risks to newborns.
- Maternal infections can be transmitted to infants during delivery.
- Salmonella berta is an uncommon pathogen in neonatal infections.
Observation:
- A 37-week male infant born to a mother with diarrhea and S. berta infection presented with poor feeding, lethargy, apnea, and bradycardia on day 3.
- Blood, stool, and cerebrospinal fluid cultures confirmed S. berta infection.
- An electroencephalogram indicated neonatal status epilepticus.
Findings:
- The infant developed severe Salmonella berta sepsis and meningitis.
- Brain MRI revealed extensive bilateral periventricular venous hemorrhagic infarctions with multiple herniations.
- The infant's condition deteriorated despite maximal medical support.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential severity of Salmonella berta infections in neonates.
- Early recognition and aggressive management are crucial for neonatal sepsis and meningitis.
- Severe neurological sequelae can occur even with prompt treatment, emphasizing the need for further research into effective therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
8
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
8
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
4
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
4
01:18Viral Meningitis
179
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
179
01:30Reservoir of Infection
79
Infectious diseases arise from intricate interactions between pathogens and their reservoirs. A reservoir of infection refers to the natural habitat where a pathogen lives, grows, and multiplies, serving as a continual source of infection. Reservoirs are broadly classified as either living or nonliving, and each plays a unique role in disease transmission, significantly influencing public health interventions and control strategies.Humans act as reservoirs for a wide array of pathogens,...
79
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
58
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
58
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
1.2K
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
1.2K