SEVERE PEDIATRIC SEPSIS CAUSED BY NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

The aim is to report on the aggressive nature of Neisseria meningitidis infection among children and its
complications.
Case report: We present the case of a 2-month-old infant who was admitted for fever, diarrhea, moaning,
and appetite loss to the Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children "Sf. Ioan" Galați. The infant was
admitted to the intensive care unit and underwent clinical evaluation along with extended laboratory
investigations. Neurological manifestations began on the first day of hospitalization, starting with tonic
seizures. Later, anisocoria and ptosis of the left eye developed over the following days. On the 4th day
of hospitalization, positive blood culture for Neisseria meningitidis was obtained and the second blood
culture turned out negative. Antibiotic treatment was initiated, and multidisciplinary consultations were
conducted to address the ensuing complications.
Discussion: The case highlights the severity of Neisseria meningitidis infection in infants and the rapid
progression to neurological symptoms, often accompanied by serious complications. Early management
through appropriate antibiotic therapy, aided by a multidisciplinary approach, is essential to limit
mortality and sequelae.
Conclusion: Neisseria meningitidis is the cause of serious infections with a high mortality rate and
neurological sequelae. The complexity of such cases requires multidisciplinary intervention