Citrobacter diversus brain abscess and meningitis in neonates

Area of Science:

• Neonatal infectious diseases
• Pediatric neurology
• Bacterial meningitis complications

Background:

• Brain abscess is a rare complication of meningitis.
• Gram-negative enteric bacteria can cause neonatal meningitis.
• Citrobacter diversus meningitis is a specific concern in newborns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of brain abscesses in neonates with Citrobacter diversus meningitis.
• To review existing literature and case data for C. diversus meningitis.
• To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis for this complication.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of Citrobacter diversus meningitis cases.
• Analysis of data from Neonatal Meningitis Cooperative Study Groups.
• Inclusion of cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control.
• Identification of 74 neonatal cases of C. diversus meningitis.

Main Results:

• Brain abscesses developed in 41 out of 53 (77%) neonates with C. diversus meningitis.
• A recent cluster of cases at one institution prompted further investigation.
• The high incidence of brain abscesses was confirmed through data analysis.

Conclusions:

• Citrobacter diversus meningitis in neonates has a high rate of brain abscess formation.
• Rapid diagnosis of brain abscess is crucial for affected newborns.
• This finding underscores the severity of C. diversus meningitis in the neonatal population.