Group-A-streptococcal meningitis in a 7-year-old child--a rare pathogen in a non-immune compromised patient

BMJ Case Rep. 2011 Dec 13:2011:bcr1020114896corr1. doi: 10.1136/bcr.10.2011.4896.corr1.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Published Erratum

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence
  • Meningitis, Bacterial* / diagnosis
  • Streptococcus pyogenes*