Bacterial meningitis in newborns

[Couch Potatoe]

Bacterial meningitis is inflammation of the layers of tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meninges) caused by bacteria.

Newborns with bacterial meningitis are usually irritable, vomit, or may have seizures.
The diagnosis is based on the results of a spinal tap and blood tests.
All untreated newborns die from the infection.
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.
Antibiotics are given intravenously to treat the infection.

(For an overview of meningitis, see Introduction to Meningitis. See also Overview of Infections in Newborns, Meningitis in adults, Meningitis in Children, and Viral Meningitis.)
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). The infection is most commonly caused by the following bacteria:

Group B streptococci
Escherichia coli
Listeria monocytogenes

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.