A case of relapse of Enterococcus faecalis meningitis in a previously healthy infant without any predisposing factors

Abstract

Enterococcus faecalis meningitis in children generally occurs when some predisposing factors are present, particularly central nervous system malformations and previous neurological surgery. In this article, we present a case of a relapse of E. faecalis meningitis in a 4-month-old previously healthy, well-grown infant who did not have any predisposing factors. He was discharged in good condition following a full 3 week course of an antibiotic that the organism was sensitive to, vancomycin. No cause was identified for the relapse and it was assumed to be due to persistence of the infection in the meningeal and/or parameningeal foci. Subsequent clearance of the infection following three more weeks of therapy suggests there is a need to increase the initial treatment duration of the sensitive antibiotic.

Keywords

E. faecalis - bacterial meningitis - childhood - vancomycin-resistant Enterococci