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Neisseria lactamica meningitis

B A Lauer, C E Fisher

    American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
    |February 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    Neisseria lactamica caused meningitis in an infant, initially misidentified as Neisseria meningitidis. Further testing confirmed the bacteria

    Area of Science:

    • Bacteriology
    • Clinical Microbiology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Neisseria lactamica is a commensal bacterium.
    • Neisseria meningitidis is a common cause of bacterial meningitis.
    • Accurate identification of Neisseria species is crucial for appropriate treatment.

    Observation:

    • A 7-month-old infant presented with acute purulent meningitis.
    • Bacteria were isolated from the infant's blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
    • Initial identification suggested Neisseria meningitidis.

    Findings:

    • Biochemical testing revealed lactose fermentation and beta-D-galactosidase production.
    • These characteristics confirmed the isolate as Neisseria lactamica.
    • This represents a rare case of N. lactamica meningitis.

    Implications:

    • Highlights the importance of comprehensive biochemical testing for accurate Neisseria species identification.
    • Suggests N. lactamica, though typically commensal, can be an opportunistic pathogen.
    • Underscores the need to consider less common pathogens in meningitis cases.

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