Meningitis in the Neonate

Infection of the meninges can present very non specifically in the neonate. Often it is part of septicaemic illness.

Symptoms and signs- lethargy, poor feeding, respiratory distress, vomiting, fever, bulging fontanelle.

Causative organisms- Group B Streptococci

– E. Coli

– Listeria moocytogenes

– Staphylococcus aureus

Treatment – Refer to local protocol, but usually

– Amoxicillin 30mg/kg + 3rd Generation Cephalosporin (e.g. Cefotaxime 50mg/kg