Elizabethkingia meningoseptica: An emerging pathogen causing neonatal meningitis

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid from a near-term second twin female baby with a history of seizures and respiratory distress requiring ventilator support was sent to our laboratory for culture. Light yellow colored colonies of 1-2 mm diameter of Gram-negative bacilli on chocolate and blood agar with no growth on MacConkey agar seen. The bacterium was multidrug resistant. Based upon the growth characteristics, bio-chemical reactions, drug susceptibility pattern and identification by Vitek 2 system (BioMerieux, France) the isolate was identified as Elizabethkingia meningoseptica. Treatment was started with cefoperazone-sulbactam. Baby subsequently developed hydrocephalus and required the insertion of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. Baby slowly improved and was discharged. The presence in the hospital environment along with multidrug resistance makes E. meningoseptica a successful emerging nosocomial pathogen.

Keywords

• Elizabethkingia meningoseptica
• meningitis
• multidrug resistant
• nosocomial spread