Case Report: Elizabethkingia Meningoseptica Meningitis in a Late Preterm Infant with Associated Complications: A Rare Clinical Case.

Abstract

Introduction: Elizabethkingia meningoseptica (EM) is a gram-negative aerobic organism commonly found in environment that can cause, outbreaks of neonatal meningitis and septicemia in immunocompromised children and adults. Although the incidence is higher in developing countries, having been isolated on contaminated medical equipments, especially in neonates.
Case report: We have reported the case of a male neonate, born late preterm at 35 weeks and 3 days of gestation, diagnosed with hydrocephalus, underwent a surgical intervention for hydrocephalus in the early neonatal period. On the 28th day of life, the infant presented with fever and increased irritability. He was admitted to the NICU and commenced on intravenous amikacin. Blood cultures remained sterile; however, due to clinical suspicion of central nervous system infection, CSF culture was sent. CSF culture revealed growth of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, identified via the VITEK automated system, confirming neonatal meningitis and timely managed with antibiotic therapy based on susceptibility testing.
Conclusions: Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly in neonates. Early identification of the causative organism is critical for improving clinical outcomes.