Infantile Pasteurella multocida meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe illness with potentially dangerous consequences in any patient population. In the years from 2003 to 2007, children less than two years old had the highest estimated rate of bacterial meningitis of any age group. [1] In neonates, not only are the risks of infection profound – including death – the presentation can be atypical, making the likelihood of occult disease all the greater. [2] Unlike older children and adults with meningitis, neonates typically do not present with verifiable meningismus. [3,4] Irritability is a common presenting symptom but it is non-specific [4]. The fact that undiagnosed meningitis is the most common source of medical malpractice claims in pediatric emergency rooms underscores the high requirement for astute and accurate clinical care. [5] Fortunately bacterial meningitis is relatively uncommon, with a rate of 80.69 cases per 100,000 in infants less than 2 months of age in one study [1].