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First Case of Ewingella americana Meningitis in a Term Newborn: A Rare but Real Pathogen

Sarah Meisler1, Ranjith Kamity2,3, Asif Noor3,4

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Mineola, NY, United States.

Frontiers in Pediatrics
|June 30, 2020
PubMed

Insights

This case report details the first newborn meningitis caused by Ewingella americana, a rare Gram-negative bacterium. Despite minimal symptoms, this pathogen can lead to serious invasive infections in neonates.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Ewingella americana, a Gram-negative enterobacterium, is rarely associated with human infections.
  • Its role as a pathogen versus an opportunistic agent remains debated.
  • Infections typically occur in immunocompromised individuals or those with comorbidities.

Observation:

  • A term newborn presented with fever and irritability shortly after birth.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed Gram-negative rods identified as Ewingella americana.
  • The infant was diagnosed with leptomeningitis and treated successfully.

Findings:

  • This is the first reported case of Ewingella americana meningitis in a newborn.
  • The case demonstrates the potential for this bacterium to cause severe invasive disease in neonates.
  • Variable antibiotic sensitivity of Ewingella americana poses treatment challenges.

Implications:

  • Ewingella americana can cause serious invasive infections, including meningitis, in neonates.
  • Further research is needed to understand the role of low-virulence organisms in vulnerable populations.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing neonatal infections.
Keywords:
Ewingella americanaemergent pathogensgram negative anaerobic bacteriameningitisneonatal sepsisnewborn

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