Bacterial meningitis in neonates (Paediatrics)

This is an infection of the layers that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges.

Bacterial meningitis is more common in the first month of life than at any other time. The most common cause in neonates is the Streptococcus agalactiae and E. coli. From three months old onwards the Meningococcus, pneumococcus and H. influenzae.

Neurological symptoms include irritability, lethargy, tremors, seizures and a bulging fontanelle. In newborn infants, the most common symptom is an unstable temperature, from fever to hypothermia.

Diagnosis is suspected by the clinical history and physical examination. Additional tests such as laboratory tests, lumbar puncture, blood cultures and cerebrospinal fluid cultures, a CT-scan and/or MRI scan will be required.

Treatment is with antibiotics and must be started as soon as possible once the disease is suspected. It will be treated in an intensive care unit.