Hydrocephalus Due to Neonatal Septicemia, Meningitis and Ventriculitis Caused by Multi-Resistant Elizabethkingia Anophelis: A Not So Uncommon Complication

Abstract

Elizabethkingia anophelis is a rare pathogen causing an increasing incidence of neonatal meningitis including neurological sequelae–and mortality. The path towards diagnosis and adequate treatment may be challenging due to its rarity and multi-resistant antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. We describe the therapeutic challenges of a case of neonatal septicemia, meningitis and ventriculitis with accompanying hydrocephalus. In addition, we show that hydrocephalus in E. anophelis meningitis/ventriculitis may be a common complication requiring interventions such as ventriculoperitoneal drainage. Therefore, repeated brain imaging during disease course is advised. Awareness of the multi-resistant features of this pathogen may lead to earlier adequate treatment, while awaiting antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.