Excellent Outcome of Bacteroides Meningitis in a Newborn Treated with Metronidazole

Abstract

Hydrocephalus has developed in all three reported cases of Bacteroides fragilis meningitis in newborns.1-3 One author suggested this complication was related to the documented persistence of Bacteroides in the CSF despite chloramphenicol therapy.3 In two of the cases metronidazole was tried late in the course, followed by prompt clinical and bacteriologic resolution.1,3 We report a newborn with B fragilis meningitis in whom metronidazole was used early, with rapid sterilization of the CSF, clinical cure, and no sequelae after 12 months of follow-up. CASE REPORT A 2,020-gm white male infant was delivered vaginally at 32 weeks gestation to a healthy primigravida, 52 hours after premature rupture of membranes.