A neonate develops meningitis at 7 days of age. Her mother is 16 years of age, single, has had multiple sexual partners without barrier protection, and lives in the United States. The baby was born 23 hours after the mother's amniotic sac ruptured. What is the most likely causative agent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococci) is the most common cause of neonatal meningitis. It is most prevalent in young women who have had multiple partners and is most likely to infect the baby during a protracted delivery. Escherichia coli is the second most common cause of neonatal meningitis. Listeria is a less frequent cause of neonatal meningitis and other severe diseases in newborns. Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis rarely cause neonatal meningitis.

A Neonate Develops Meningitis at 7 Days of Age