Streptococcus bovis meningitis in a neonate
C. R. Fikar and J. Levy
Neonatal infections have been caused by Streptococcus bovis, a
nonenterococcal group D Streptococcus. A recent case of neonatal meningitis
caused by this organism prompted a literature review regarding appropriate
antibiotic therapy. Although most reports suggested penicillin therapy
alone for S bovis meningitis, isolates of this organism that were as
resistant to the lethal effect of penicillin as the enterococcus have been
recovered. Therefor, it was recommended that until the results of minimal
inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration tests are
known both an aminoglycoside and a penicillin be used simultaneously.
Proved susceptibility to the penicillin would justify discontinuation of
the aminoglycoside therapy. Physicians caring for neonates with S bovis
should be aware that some strains may be resistant to the lethal effect of
penicillin.
