Elizabethkingia meningoseptica infection in neonates: a threat and clinical challenge

Abstract

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is a multidrug resistant gram-negative bacillus that is commonly associated with nosocomial infection in neonates. Prematurity and compromised immune system are a known risk factor for E. meningoseptica infection. It has been isolated in the hospital environment, water supplies, disinfectants and medical devices. We report 3 cases of neonatal infection by E. meningoseptica over a period of three years (2018-2020) in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). We encountered one case each of pneumonia, meningitis and septicemia. Infection associated with E. meningoseptica can be life-threatening if appropriate antibiotics are not prescribed. As this organism is multi drug-resistant, failure to identify this pathogen may lead to therapeutic failure. E. meningoseptica is intrinsically resistant to wide range of antibiotics used to treat other common pathogenic gram-negative bacteria; however, they are sensitive to fluoroquinolones and glycopeptides that are used for gram positives. In view of its multidrug resistant nature and ability to easily infect preterm and very low birth weight neonates, prompt diagnosis should be made and appropriate reinforcement of infection control measures should be considered to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Keywords

• elizabethkingia meningoseptica
• neonatal sepsis
• rifampicin
• chrysobacterium sps.