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Published on: October 29, 2014
Neisseria Meningitidis Causing Multiple Cerebral Abscesses in Early Neonatal Period: Case Report and Review of
1Neonatologist and Director Newborn Care Centre, Dolphin Children's Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Abstract:
Neisseria meningitidis is a rare cause of meningitis and septicemia in neonates. There are few published case reports of neonatal meningococcal meningitis complicated by subdural empyema, cerebral abscess and hydrocephalus. Few cases of neonatal meningococcal meningitis have been reported in the literature with none of them having the complication of multiple cerebral abscesses in early neonatal period (
Insights
Neisseria meningitidis rarely causes meningitis in newborns. This case highlights a rare instance of neonatal meningococcal meningitis with multiple cerebral abscesses and hydrocephalus, requiring a Ventriculo Peritoneal shunt.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is an uncommon cause of meningitis and septicemia in neonates.
- Published case reports of neonatal meningococcal meningitis complicated by subdural empyema, cerebral abscess, and hydrocephalus are scarce.
Observation:
- This report details a rare case of meningococcal meningitis in a neonate presenting on the fifth day of life.
- The infant subsequently developed hydrocephalus at five weeks of age, necessitating a Ventriculo Peritoneal (VP) shunt.
Findings:
- The neonate presented with multiple cerebral abscesses, a complication not previously documented in early neonatal meningococcal meningitis.
- This represents the first documented case of neonatal meningococcal meningitis with multiple cerebral abscesses.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe intracranial complications of Neisseria meningitidis in neonates.
- Highlights the importance of early recognition and management of neonatal meningitis and its associated neurological sequelae.
