Gram-negative bacillary meningitis in neonates: a glimmer of therapeutic success

A combination of gentamicin and ceftazidime was used to treat four neonates with Gram-negative bacillary meningitis. The causative organisms were Escherichia coli (3 cases) and Enterobacter agglomerans (1 case). The laboratory findings, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ceftazidime levels and bactericidal activity demonstrated that penetration of the cephalosporin into the cerebrospinal fluid was adequate. The antibiotics caused no side effects and all the patients responded well. On follow up none of the patients exhibited neurological deficits.