Paper I
Question
Name four causative agents of neonatal meningitis.
Answer
Four causative agents of neonatal meningitis:
- Group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) — acquired from the maternal genital tract during delivery; the leading cause of early-onset neonatal meningitis in many settings.
- Escherichia coli (particularly K1 capsular serotype strains) — a major cause of both early- and late-onset neonatal meningitis/sepsis.
- Listeria monocytogenes — acquired transplacentally or during delivery, associated with contaminated food ingested by the mother during pregnancy.
- Klebsiella pneumoniae — an important cause, particularly of nosocomial/late-onset neonatal meningitis.
(Note: this profile differs markedly from the classical agents of meningitis beyond the neonatal period — Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae — reflecting the neonate’s distinct exposure routes, from the maternal genital tract and immediate perinatal environment, and immature immune defences.)