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[Multicenter study on etiological characteristics of bacterial meningitis in infants aged < 90 days]

Ying Liu1, Xue Feng, Jin Gao

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.

Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics
|June 30, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in young infants, especially neonates. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is prevalent in Shenzhen, and Listeria monocytogenes (LM) meningitis leads to worse outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis (BM) poses a significant threat to infants.
  • Understanding the etiological characteristics of BM in young infants is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the etiological characteristics and outcomes of bacterial meningitis (BM) in infants younger than 90 days.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 197 infants with bacteriologically confirmed BM from 2007 to 2021.
  • Comparison of pathogen distribution across age groups, regions, and years.
  • Evaluation of prognosis for BM caused by common pathogens.

Main Results:

  • Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most common pathogen (36.5%), followed by group B Streptococcus (GBS) (24.9%) and Listeria monocytogenes (LM) (5.6%).
  • E. coli was significantly more prevalent in neonates (40.2%) than in older infants (18.2%).
  • LM meningitis was associated with higher rates of ventriculitis and hydrocephalus compared to GBS meningitis.

Conclusions:

  • E. coli is the predominant pathogen causing BM in young infants, particularly neonates.
  • GBS is a significant pathogen, especially in Shenzhen, showing an increasing trend.
  • LM meningitis, though less common, is associated with poorer outcomes, necessitating specific clinical attention.
Keywords:
Bacterial meningitisEtiologyInfantNeonatePrognosis

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