Bacterial infection of the meninges in the first month of life.
yy Organisms causing neonatal meningitis are similar to
those causing neonatal septicaemia and pneumonia, i.e.
S.pneumoniae, group A & B streptococci, and enteric
Gram-negative bacilli.
–– Meningitis due to group B streptococci: These organisms
often colonise the vagina and rectum of pregnant women,
can be transmitted to babies during labour, and cause
infection. Meningitis and septicaemia during the 1st week
after birth may be particularly severe.
yy Clinical presentation is aspecific with temperature
disturbances, lethargy, irritability, vomiting, feeding
problems, convulsions, apnoea, bulging fontanel