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Fulminant neonatal meningococcemia
Abstract:
Neisseria meningitidis is a rare cause of infection in infants younger than 2 months of age, presumably because of transplacental passage of protective maternal antibodies. In most reported cases of meningococcal disease in neonates, a relatively mild clinical course has been observed. A 25-day-old infant survived acute, severe meningococcemia due to group B N meningitidis. This organism should be considered when neonates have signs of septicemia, especially in the presence of cutaneous petechiae and purpura.
Insights
Meningococcal disease is rare in infants due to maternal antibodies. A severe case of group B Neisseria meningitidis septicemia in a neonate was successfully treated, highlighting the need for consideration in infant sepsis cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatology
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis infections are uncommon in infants under two months old, likely due to maternal antibody transfer.
- Neonatal meningococcal disease typically presents with a milder clinical course in reported cases.
Observation:
- A 25-day-old infant experienced severe meningococcemia caused by group B Neisseria meningitidis.
- The infant survived this acute and severe presentation of the infection.
Findings:
- Group B Neisseria meningitidis can cause severe septicemia in neonates.
- Despite the severity, survival is possible with appropriate medical consideration.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider Neisseria meningitidis in neonates presenting with signs of septicemia.
- The presence of cutaneous petechiae and purpura in a neonate with sepsis warrants investigation for meningococcal infection.