Escherichia coli spontaneous community-acquired meningitis in adults: A case report and literature review. (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bichon, A.; Aubry, C.; Dubourg, G.; Drouet, H.; Lagier, J.-C.; Raoult, D.; Parola, P.
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 67(2018)
• Page Start: 70
• Page End: 74
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: Escherichia coli -- Gram-negatiive meningitis -- Spontaneous community-acquired; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2017.12.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: Spontaneous community-acquired Escherichia coli meningitis is poorly reported in the literature, with only 43 cases described since 1946. The annual incidence of spontaneous community-acquired E. coli meningitis is underestimated, ranging from 2 to 5 cases per 100 000 persons. Nine percent of diagnosed patients were previously healthy. The mortality rate was found to be higher than for other bacterial meningitides, at up to 100%. Systematic screening for strongyloidiasis should be performed for symptomatic patients returning from an endemic area. Abstract: Gram-negative bacillary meningitis occurring post-trauma and following neurosurgical procedures has been described widely. However, reports of spontaneous cases are sparse, particularly community-acquired cases. Spontaneous community-acquired Escherichia coli meningitis is a rare (although increasingly seen) and specific entity that is poorly reported in the literature. A review of the literature identified only 43 cases of community-acquired E. coli meningitis reported between 1946 and 2016. This article describes two new cases of spontaneous community-acquired E. coli meningitis encountered in Marseille, France, and presents the results of a literature review on spontaneous community-acquired E. coli meningitis.