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Pasteurella multocida meningitis in a two-day old neonate
S Hillery1, E A Reiss-Levy, C Browne
1Department of Microbiology, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, Australia.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Pasteurella multocida vaginal infection poses a significant risk to newborns during vaginal delivery. Prompt diagnosis and intravenous penicillin treatment are crucial for complete recovery without neurological complications.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Neonatal infections can lead to severe complications.
- Vaginal delivery is a common route of transmission for certain pathogens.
- Pasteurella multocida is a bacterium that can cause various infections.
Observation:
- A full-term infant developed fever and feeding issues on day 2 postpartum.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed elevated white blood cells (mononuclears), high protein, and zero glucose.
- Pasteurella multocida was identified in the infant's CSF, blood, and umbilical stump, as well as the mother's vagina.
Findings:
- The infant was diagnosed with Pasteurella multocida sepsis originating from vaginal colonization.
- Treatment involved 7 weeks of intravenous penicillin.
- The infant experienced mild hydrocephalus and prolonged fever, which resolved.
- Complete recovery was achieved with no neurological sequelae.
Implications:
- Maternal vaginal Pasteurella multocida colonization can pose a serious hazard to newborns during vaginal birth.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of neonatal infections is critical for effective management.
- High-dose intravenous penicillin is the recommended treatment for Pasteurella multocida infections in neonates.
- This case highlights the importance of considering less common pathogens in neonatal sepsis evaluations.