Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, which are the membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis during the first month of life is called neonatal meningitis. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, neonatal meningitis occurs in 0.2 to 1 per 1000 live births and is more often fatal than meningitis in older children. Preemies and babies with low birth rates are at greater risk of getting neonatal meningitis.
Causes
Different types of bacteria, the most common being a bacteria called group B strep, or GBS, cause neonatal meningitis. GBS is naturally present in some women's vaginal canals and gastrointestinal tracts. Although these women are healthy, they can transmit the bacteria to their babies during birth. Another cause of neonatal meningitis is a bacteria called E. coli, which can be transmitted to the newborn during delivery, at the hospital or at home. Listeria monocytogenes can also cause neonatal meningitis. Pregnant women can contract this bacteria by eating meat that is not well cooked or milk that is unpasteurized. These women can then develop listeriosis and pass on the bacteria to their babies.
Symptoms of Meningitis in Infants
Newborns with meningitis can have multiple symptoms, but they can sometimes be hard to notice. The most common symptoms include stiffness of the neck and sensitivity to light. High fever is also common. However, some infants may have a normal temperature, while others can have hypothermia. Newborns with meningitis can be irritable, especially when picked up, and have a shrill cry. They may also be lethargic, listless and very sleepy when awoken. They can exhibit a loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. They may also have difficulty sleeping. Some newborns with meningitis have difficulty breathing. However, not all babies with meningitis will have all of these symptoms. There is also no specific order in which these symptoms appear.
Long-term Effects of Meningitis in Newborns
There are many complications that can result from meningitis. Some babies fully recover from the infection, while others must live with a few or multiple effects for the rest of their lives. Possible complications from meningitis include hearing loss, vision loss, paralysis, speech and language problems, learning difficulties, behavioral problems, epilepsy and seizures. Newborns with meningitis should be treated as soon as possible, as the longer the child goes without treatment, the greater the risks of long-term effects from the infection.
How to Protect Newborns From Meningitis
Although neonatal meningitis is sometimes difficult to prevent, there are things that can be done to reduce the risk of newborns getting sick. It is important that pregnant women be mindful of what they eat and drink to reduce their risk of listeriosis. During pregnancy, women should avoid unpasteurized milk products and cheeses and always make sure that meat is well cooked before consumption. To help reduce the risk of transmitting GBS, women should receive rectal and vaginal swabs during pregnancy to see if the bacteria is present. Women who naturally carry the bacteria can be treated with antibiotics during delivery to minimize the risk of transmitting the bacteria to their babies. Newborns may also receive a course of antibiotics. Parents and families of a newborn should be careful to always wash their hands before handling the baby and sterilize objects that come into contact with the baby's mouth during the first few months of life.
References
- American Acadamy of Pediatrics: Meningitis; 2011.
- "American Family Phycisian"; Aseptic Meningitis in the Newborn and Young Infant; Cecilia M.R. Norris, M.D., et al.; May 1999.
- MayoClinic.com; Meningitis; April 2011
- Meningitis Research foundation: What are Meningitis and Septicaemia; 2011.
- Meningitis Research foundation: After-Effects; 2011
