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Neonatal Meningococcal Meningitis In France From 2001 To 2013
Ali Bilal1, Muhamed-Kheir Taha, Laurence Caeymaex
1From the *Service de Neonatalogie, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal, Créteil, France; †Institut Pasteur, Invasive Bacterial Infections Unit, National Reference Center for Meningococci (NRCM), Paris, France; ‡Clinical Research Center (CRC), Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France; §Groupe de Pathologie Infectieuse Pédiatrique, SFP Société Française de Pédiatrie, Paris, France; ¶Université Paris Est, IMRB- GRC GEMINI, Créteil, France; ‖ACTIV, Association Clinique et Thérapeutique Infantile du Val de Marne, Saint-Maur des Fossés, France; and **Unité Court Séjour, Petits Nourrissons, Service de Néonatalogie, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France.
Abstract:
Among 831 cases of neonatal bacterial meningitis occurring from 2001 to 2013, Neisseria meningitidis was the third most frequent bacterial species found. All cases occurred only in term neonates and were mainly late onset. Serogroup B accounted for 78% of cases. At diagnosis, 27% of cases had at least one sign of disease severity. All strains were susceptible to cefotaxime, but 12% showed intermediate susceptibility to penicillin G and to aminopenicillin.
Insights
Neisseria meningitidis was a frequent cause of late-onset neonatal bacterial meningitis, primarily Serogroup B. Most strains were treatable with cefotaxime, though some showed resistance to penicillin.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Neonatal bacterial meningitis poses a significant health risk.
- Neisseria meningitidis is an important pathogen in meningitis cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology and characteristics of Neisseria meningitidis in neonatal bacterial meningitis.
- To assess antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Neisseria meningitidis in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 831 neonatal bacterial meningitis cases from 2001-2013.
- Identification of bacterial species and serogrouping of Neisseria meningitidis.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Main Results:
- Neisseria meningitidis was the third most common cause of neonatal bacterial meningitis.
- All identified cases were in term neonates, predominantly late-onset.
- Serogroup B accounted for 78% of Neisseria meningitidis cases.
- 27% of cases presented with severe disease signs.
- All strains were susceptible to cefotaxime; 12% showed intermediate susceptibility to penicillin G and aminopenicillin.
Conclusions:
- Neisseria meningitidis, particularly Serogroup B, is a notable cause of late-onset neonatal meningitis.
- Cefotaxime remains an effective treatment, but emerging penicillin resistance warrants monitoring.
