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Bacterial Meningitis in Infants Under 90 Days of Age: A Retrospective Single-Center Study

Martina Buttera1, Sofia Mazzotti1, Tommaso Zini2

  • 1School of Pediatrics Residency, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41224 Modena, Italy.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 8, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Bacterial meningitis in infants, particularly preterm infants, is serious and can lead to complications. Early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and reducing fatalities.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis (BM) in infants poses significant health risks and potential complications.
  • Lumbar puncture (LP) is critical for diagnosing BM, but antibiotic administration before LP can yield false-negative results.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of bacterial meningitis in infants.
  • To identify risk factors and complications associated with infant bacterial meningitis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of infants diagnosed with BM within the first 90 days of life.
  • Data collected from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admissions between 2011 and 2023.
  • Diagnosis confirmed via cerebrospinal fluid cultures and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.

Main Results:

  • 44 episodes of BM in 40 infants; 70% occurred in preterm infants.
  • Gram-positive bacteria were the most common cause (61%).
  • 21% of surviving infants had brain lesions; 5% of preterm infants died from meningitis complications.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm infants face higher rates of BM, brain lesions, and mortality.
  • Timely diagnosis and immediate antibiotic intervention are essential for better infant outcomes in BM cases.
Keywords:
bacterial meningitismeningitisneonatal infection

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