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Anaerobic meningitis in an infant associated with pilonidal cyst abscess
Abstract:
A 5-month-old infant whose infected pilonidal sinus was surgically removed, developed meningitis due to Bacteroides fragilis. A similar organism was also recovered from the infected pilonidal cyst along with anaerobic Gram positive cocci. The patient was treated with intravenous chloramphenicol for 4 weeks and recovered without sequela. Attention should be paid to the possibility of meningitis due to anaerobes in children with an infected pilonidal sinus.
Insights
A 5-month-old infant developed meningitis from Bacteroides fragilis following surgery for an infected pilonidal sinus. Prompt chloramphenicol treatment led to a full recovery, highlighting the risk of anaerobic meningitis in infants with this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Pilonidal sinus disease is a rare condition in infants.
- Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the central nervous system.
- Anaerobic bacterial infections can occur in various body sites.
Observation:
- A 5-month-old infant presented with an infected pilonidal sinus.
- The infant underwent surgical removal of the infected pilonidal sinus.
- Post-operatively, the infant developed meningitis.
Findings:
- Meningitis was caused by Bacteroides fragilis, an anaerobic bacterium.
- Bacteroides fragilis and anaerobic Gram-positive cocci were isolated from the pilonidal cyst.
- Intravenous chloramphenicol treatment for 4 weeks resulted in complete recovery without sequelae.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for serious anaerobic bacterial meningitis in infants with infected pilonidal sinuses.
- Early recognition and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Further research may be warranted to understand the pathogenesis and incidence of such infections.