Group B streptococcus meningitis following elective termination of pregnancy: two case reports.
BACKGROUND
Although maternal group B streptococcus (GBS) infections are common, serious infections are rare with prompt diagnosis and treatment. We present 2 cases of GBS meningitis occurring 3 and 10 days after elective abortion. In the first patient, GBS meningitis was definitely related to the elective termination. In the second patient, however, no evidence for a causal relationship could be established and can only be presumed.


METHODS
The patients presented to the emergency department with headache, altered mental status, and fever. Their physical examinations were consistent with meningitis and confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. One patient recovered completely and the other developed severe bilateral hearing loss.


CONCLUSIONS
GBS meningitis is rare, occurring in men and women. When associated with pregnancy, most cases present within 48-72 h of delivery or abortion.
Walker
M A
MA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hutzel Hospital Wayne State University School of Medicine 4707 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
McNeeley
S G
SG