Group-A-streptococcal meningitis in a 7-year-old child--a rare pathogen in a non-immune compromised patient.
A case is presented of meningitis in a 7-year-old female child caused by Group A streptococcus (GAS), a rare bacterial cause of meningitis, with a high rate of morbidity (46%) and mortality (10%). GAS is susceptible for empiric antibiotic therapy aimed at the most prevalent pathogens of meningitis. As GAS meningitis is typically associated with ear-nose-throat (ENT) infections, specific search for a reservoir is advised. Bacterial typification often demonstrates M-protein gene sequence type (EMM type) 1.0 associated with upper respiratory tract infections and also severe, invasive GAS infections. Follow-up investigation including neurologic developmental status and audiologic testing is necessary. Although GAS is a very uncommon cause of acute bacterial meningitis in children, high morbidity and mortality have been reported. Being associated with ENT infections, a search for a GAS reservoir is proposed. GASs are susceptible for common empiric antibiotic therapies in meningitis. Follow-up investigation is necessary.
Pediatrics Department, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, Netherlands.
Leonarda Maria L M
LM
van Zitteren
Niek L A
NL
Arents
Feico
F
Halbertsma
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015373:Bacterial Typing Techniques; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016920:Meningitis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology*; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010406:Penicillins