title: Bacterial meningitis in infants.
abstract: Neonatal bacterial meningitis is uncommon but devastating. Morbidity among survivors remains high. The types and distribution of pathogens are related to gestational age, postnatal age, and geographic region. Confirming the diagnosis is difficult. Clinical signs are often subtle, lumbar punctures are frequently deferred, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures can be compromised by prior antibiotic exposure. Infants with bacterial meningitis can have negative blood cultures and normal CSF parameters. Promising tests such as the polymerase chain reaction require further study. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is essential. Clinical trials investigating a vaccine for preventing neonatal Group B Streptococcus infections are ongoing.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Box 17969, Durham, NC 27715, USA.
authors: Lawrence C
authors: LC
authors: Ku
authors: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, CB 7570, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7570, USA.
authors: Kim A
authors: KA
authors: Boggess
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Box 17969, Durham, NC 27715, USA. Electronic address: michael.cohenwolkowiez@duke.edu.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Cohen-Wolkowiez
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D016920:Meningitis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D013129:Spinal Puncture; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines
keywords: Antibiotics; Cerebrospinal fluid; Lumbar puncture; Neonatal bacterial meningitis; Vaccine; Very low birth weight