Pregnant women who have a certain kind of bacteria (group B streptococci) are given antibiotics during delivery to prevent spreading the bacteria to the newborn. Show
Antibiotics are given intravenously to treat the infection. (For an overview of meningitis, see Introduction to Meningitis Introduction to Meningitis Meningitis is inflammation of the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord (meninges) and of the fluid-filled space between the meninges (subarachnoid space). Meningitis can be... read more . See also Overview of Infections in Newborns Overview of Infections in Newborns Infections occur at all ages but are a great cause for concern in newborns because newborns, especially preterm ones, have an underdeveloped immune system and are more susceptible to infection... read more , Meningitis Acute Bacterial Meningitis Acute bacterial meningitis is rapidly developing inflammation of the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord (meninges) and of the fluid-filled space between the meninges (subarachnoid... read more in adults, Meningitis in Children Meningitis in Children Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the layers of tissue covering the brain and spinal cord ( meninges). Bacterial meningitis in older infants and children usually results from bacteria... read more , and Viral Meningitis Viral Meningitis Viral meningitis is inflammation of the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord (meninges) and of the fluid-filled space between the meninges (subarachnoid space) when it is caused... read more .) Meningitis that is caused by bacteria is life-threatening at any age but is of special concern in newborns. Bacterial meningitis in newborns usually results from an infection of the blood (sepsis Sepsis in Newborns Sepsis is a serious bodywide reaction to infection spread through the blood. Newborns with sepsis appear generally ill—they are listless, do not feed well, often have a gray color, and may have... read more ). The infection is most commonly caused by the following bacteria:
A number of other bacteria may cause meningitis as well. Sometimes bacterial meningitis occurs in newborns when the bacteria enter the body through cuts or punctures in the scalp. The cuts or punctures can be caused by instruments that are used for delivery or by probes that are stuck to the scalp. Symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis in NewbornsOlder children with bacterial meningitis usually develop a stiff neck and have a headache. Newborns rarely develop a stiff neck and are unable to communicate specific discomfort. In newborns, important signs of illness that should alert hospital staff or parents to a possibly serious problem include
In some newborns with meningitis, increased pressure of the fluid around the brain may make the fontanelles (the soft spots between the skull bones) bulge or feel firm. Diagnosis of Bacterial Meningitis in Newborns
A doctor diagnoses bacterial meningitis by removing a sample of spinal fluid obtained through a procedure called a (lumbar puncture). The fluid is analyzed, and if there are any bacteria in that sample, they are examined and grown ( ) in a laboratory for identification. Doctors also take a sample of blood to be cultured and analyzed. Doctors may also do the test on a sample of spinal fluid. The PCR test looks for the genetic material of the bacteria and enables doctors to rapidly identify the bacteria. A doctor may do an imaging test such as or CT Computed Tomography (CT) In computed tomography (CT), which used to be called computed axial tomography (CAT), an x-ray source and x-ray detector rotate around a person. In modern scanners, the x-ray detector usually... read more Prognosis for Bacterial Meningitis in NewbornsWithout treatment, nearly all newborns with bacterial meningitis die. With treatment, the risk of death is 5 to 20%. Of the newborns who survive, 20 to 50% develop serious brain and nerve problems, such as an accumulation of extra fluid in the normal open spaces within the brain (hydrocephalus Hydrocephalus Hydrocephalus is an accumulation of extra fluid in the normal spaces within the brain (ventricles) and/or between the inner and middle layers of tissues that cover the brain (the subarachnoid... read more Prevention of Bacterial Meningitis in NewbornsWhile pregnant, women are typically screened for group B streptococci (GBS) in their genital tract. Pregnant women who have GBS may be given antibiotics at the time of delivery to prevent passing the bacteria to the newborn. How can you prevent meningitis in babies?Although meningitis can affect people of any age, babies under 2 are at the highest risk of getting meningitis.. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine. ... . Pneumococcal (PCV13) vaccine. ... . Meningococcal vaccine.. How would a baby get meningitis?Bacterial meningitis in newborns usually results from an infection of the blood (sepsis. Newborns with sepsis appear generally ill—they are listless, do not feed well, often have a gray color, and may have... read more ). The infection is most commonly caused by the following bacteria: Group B streptococci.
How can meningitis be prevented in children?Prevention. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best protection against meningococcal disease. Maintaining healthy habits, like getting plenty of rest and not having close contact with people who are sick, also helps.
When are babies at risk for meningitis?Children at higher risk of meningitis
Babies, especially those under two months of age (Because their immune systems are not well developed, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream more easily.)
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