HK J Paediatr (new series) 2007;12:293-296 Bacillus Cereus Meningoencephalitis in a Neonate

Abstract Neonatal meningoencephalitis caused by Bacillus cereus is rare. In most cases, the infection is fatal because of extensive damage and necrosis of infected tissue caused by the toxins produced by B. cereus. We report on a 17-day-old preterm neonate who developed B. cereus bacteraemia and severe haemorrhagic meningoencephalitis. The infant survived. The ultrasound, CT and MRI images showed pattern of haemorrhagic and early cavitating, selective white matter destruction. The interval from the time of recognition of illness to irreversible damage of the central nervous system was short which demonstrates a need for increase awareness, early diagnosis, and more-effective therapy. We describe the clinical course and a distinct neuroimaging characteristic for this organism. Key words Bacillus cereus; Meningoencephalitis; Neonate; White matter injury disregarded by clinicians and microbiologists. As a human pathogen, the organism is perhaps best known for its role as a mediator of self-limited food borne illness. Among members of this genus, only B. anthracis is potentially more significant as a cause of human disease.1 The first report of neonatal meningitis and bacteraemia due to B. cereu