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Group A streptococcal meningitis: report of two cases

A E Moses1, M Beeri, D Engelhard

  • 1Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.

The Journal of Infection
|November 20, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) meningitis is rare, but severe cases are increasing. This study reports two new cases, highlighting the need for awareness of this uncommon bacterial meningitis cause.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Group A Streptococcus (GAS), or Streptococcus pyogenes, is an uncommon cause of bacterial meningitis.
  • Recent global increases in Streptococcus pyogenes disease severity have been noted.
  • While overall GAS meningitis incidence hasn't risen, severe and fulminant cases are increasingly reported.

Observation:

  • A retrospective analysis of cerebrospinal fluid cultures from July 1987 to December 1995 was conducted.
  • Two cases of GAS meningitis were identified at Hadassah University Medical Center.
  • One case involved a 2-month-old infant with primary infection via bacteremia; the other involved a 75-year-old patient with meningitis secondary to cranial surgery.

Findings:

  • Group A Streptococcus meningitis is a rare but potentially severe infection.
  • GAS meningitis can occur as a primary infection or secondary to other conditions like surgery.
  • The study presents two distinct cases illustrating different pathways to GAS meningitis.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness of GAS as a cause of meningitis is warranted, particularly in severe or unusual presentations.
  • Further research into the factors contributing to severe GAS infections is needed.
  • Clinicians should consider GAS in the differential diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, especially in at-risk populations.

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