Neonatal Salmonella Meningitis With Subdural Empyema: A Case Report.

Abstract

To the Editors: Salmonella species can cause a variety of neonatal infections which are most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Salmonella meningitis is associated with long-term neurologic sequelae1 including seizures, hydrocephalus, subdural effusions, empyema, ventriculitis, hemorrhage and abscess.2 The present case describes a neonate with Salmonella meningitis with subdural empyema. A 12-day-old full-term female presented to the emergency department for a 1-day history of fever, decreased feeding, and a shorter, gasp-like breathing pattern. The baby was tachycardic and febrile. Per patient’s mother, both she and the infant’s brother were suffering from diarrhea 3 days before onset of the infant’s symptoms. A full sepsis workup was initiated, including blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid cultures. The patient was empirically started on intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin pending culture results. Additionally, a respiratory pathogen panel via polymerase chain reaction performed on the same day indicated positive results for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The patient was admitted for further management of presumed neonatal sepsis and respiratory monitoring of COVID-19 infection. The patient was subsequently found to have positive blood culture and cerebrospinal fluid gram stain for Gram-negative rods. Speciation and sensitivities later grew Salmonella species with sensitivity to ampicillin and ceftriaxone. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was significant for diffuse right leptomeningeal enhancement consistent with meningitis and subdural empyema. No neurosurgical intervention was recommended. Ampicillin and gentamicin were discontinued after 3 days of treatment, and ceftazidime was started for treatment of salmonella meningitis. Ceftriaxone was considered as the standard treatment for invasive Salmonella infection, but was inappropriate due to mildly elevated bilirubin on admission (Table 1) and patient’s age. TABLE 1. - Admission Labs Complete blood count With Differential Day 1 of Admission White blood cell count 6.4 × 103/µL Hemoglobin/hematocrit 12.6/37.3 g/dL Platelets 564 × 103/µL Segmented neutrophils 40% Bands 24% Lymphocytes 26% Monocytes 7% Urinalysis Color Dark yellow Specific gravity 1.021 pH 7.0 Protein 2+ Glucose Trace Ketones Negative Bilirubin Negative Blood Negative Nitrites Negative Urobilinogen 0.2 Leukocyte esterase 2+ Urine microscopy White blood cells >50 Red blood cells 11.1 Squamous epithelial 5.3 Bacteria 40 Casts 3.9 Chemistry Sodium 138 mmol/L Potassium 4.1 mmol/L Chloride 107 mmol/L Bicarbonate 22 mmol/L Blood urea nitrogen/creatinine 8/0.37 mg/dL Glucose 108 mg/dL Total bilirubin 9.6 mg/dL Total protein 6.2 g/dL Albumin 3.1 g/dL Alanine transaminase/aspartate transaminase 18/23 Units/L Alkaline phosphatase 143 Units/L Cerebrospinal fluid Color Cloudy White blood cells 667 cu/mm Red blood cells 42,500 cu/mm Segmented neutrophils 90% Lymphocytes 8% Monocytes 1% Eosinophils 1% Basophils 0% Inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (admission) 3.06 mg/dL C reactive protein (hospital day #2) 25 mg/dL On the third day of admission, a repeat respiratory pathogen panel showed the patient to be COVID-19 negative, and it was concluded that the initial positive test was likely a false positive. Repeat blood cultures drawn on day 4 of admission were negative. On day 8 of admission, a peripherally inserted central catheter line was placed for long-term parenteral antibiotics. On day 10 of admission, ceftazidime was discontinued and switched to ceftriaxone after a repeat complete metabolic panel showed normalized bilirubin levels. Ceftriaxone was selected (in lieu of ampicillin) to minimize peripherally inserted central catheter line access thereby reducing probability of central line–associated bacterial infection. Inflammatory markers and bilirubin were trended closely due to use of ceftriaxone. A 6-week course of treatment was completed with no further complications and improvement of radiologic findings. The patient was discharged with no apparent neurological deficits. Her development was ascertained by phone call and the child continues to develop typically. Previous case reports indicate that third generation cephalosporins are ideal for management of salmonella meningitis due to their bactericidal properties.3,4 This case offers a suggested treatment course of neonates with transition from ceftazidime to ceftriaxone showing satisfactory results in the treatment of neonatal Salmonella sepsis and meningitis complicated by empyema. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors thank the patient and family for their participation in this report.