Neonatal meningitis is inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord in newborns that happens during an infant’s first 28 days of life. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi.

Neonatal meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation in a newborn’s central nervous system. It is most commonly caused by viruses, but it can also be caused by bacteria or fungi. Bacterial infections are typically the most serious form of neonatal meningitis.

Neonatal meningitis affects newborns during their first month of life. The cause of neonatal meningitis will determine its treatment.

Read on to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of neonatal meningitis

Neonatal meningitis is a potentially serious infection that occurs in newborns. This condition causes severe inflammation in the meninges (membranes) that surround the brain and spinal cord. Infants may be exposed to pathogens that cause neonatal meningitis during pregnancy and delivery, or afterwards.

Neonatal meningitis in babies can present differently from bacterial meningitis in children and teens. Since newborns can’t communicate their symptoms verbally, parents and their caregivers should be on the lookout for these possible symptoms of neonatal meningitis:

Many of these symptoms can indicate conditions other than neonatal meningitis. No matter what the underlying cause, infants with one or more of these symptoms should be seen promptly by a healthcare professional.

Seek emergency medical attention right away if your baby has any of the symptoms of meningitis listed above.

Meningitis is a medical emergency, and there are many possible symptoms of meningitis in a baby. If your baby has any symptoms of meningitis or if you think your baby may have meningitis, call 911 or take them to the emergency room immediately. Meningitis can be life threatening.

Be sure to tell the staff or the emergency personnel that you think your baby may have meningitis.

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential. With early treatment, 7 out of 10 children who have bacterial meningitis recover with no complications.

Meningitis can lead to serious long-term consequences like seizure disorder, partial paralysis, or learning difficulties, nervous system problems, or deafness. Early treatment may help prevent these complications.

When babies are born, their immune systems are not fully developed or strong. This makes them susceptible to infections from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

If bacteria or other pathogens enter the baby’s bloodstream, the organisms may be transported to the central nervous system. This can result in severe inflammation of the meninges and complications like fluid buildup in the brain.

Exposure to viruses, including the herpes simplex virus, can cause neonatal meningitis. So can the viruses that cause colds, the flu, and other illnesses.

In industrialized countries such as the U.S., the bacteria most likely to cause neonatal meningitis are E. coli, group B streptococcus, and L. monocytogenes.

Neonatal meningitis is classified as early onset or late onset. Early onset neonatal meningitis occurs within the first 3 days after birth. This form of the infection may be caused by exposure to pathogens during pregnancy or delivery. Some bacteria, such as L. monocytogenes and group B streptococcus, can cross the placenta during pregnancy, causing the infection to begin before birth.

These bacteria and other pathogens can also be transmitted to the baby during delivery in the birth canal. These bacteria are often harmless to the person giving birth and aren’t associated with a lack of cleanliness. In fact, one out of every four or five women tests positive for group B strep (GBS) during pregnancy.

Late onset neonatal meningitis starts after the 3 three days of life, up to around 28 days. This form of the disease is caused by exposure to bacteria, viruses, or fungi in the baby’s environment. Babies that spend time in a NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) are at a heightened risk of exposure.

Neonatal meningitis is more likely to occur in premature infants than in those born at term since their immune systems are immature.

In addition to prematurity, risk factors for neonatal meningitis include:

  • low birth weight of under 3.3 lbs. (1,500 grams)
  • amniotic sac rupture more than 18 hours before birth
  • bacterial infection in the placenta or amniotic fluid
  • if you have signs of infection when you go into labor, such as high fever
  • if you test positive for GBS in the vagina or rectum

If your baby shows signs of neonatal meningitis, several tests may be done. They include:

  • lumbar puncture (spinal tap): For this test, a small amount of spinal fluid will be extracted with a hollow needle from your baby’s lower back. The fluid will be analyzed for bacteria. If bacteria are found, they will be cultured (grown) and identified in a lab. A PCR rapid test may also be done for a fast diagnosis on the spinal fluid. Lumbar punctures are the most conclusive test for neonatal meningitis
  • Blood tests: These blood tests check for signs of viral or bacterial infection, such as an elevated white blood cell count
  • Imaging tests of the brain: These imaging tests include tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

Mild cases of viral meningitis may resolve on their own without treatment other than supportive care – care that helps keep a baby comfortable, lowers fever, and helps ensure they are not in pain. If your baby has viral meningitis resulting from the herpes simplex virus, they will be given antiviral medications intravenously.

When neonatal meningitis is caused by bacteria, it is treated with intravenous antibiotics. Common drugs used for this purpose include gentamicin, cefotaxime, and ampicillin. Your baby may get one or a mixture of several medications.

The medications given will be determined by the type of bacteria causing the infection. Your baby will most likely be started on IV antibiotics before their diagnostic testing results are available. If testing indicates that a change of medication is needed, their treatment will change. Starting treatment quickly gives your baby their best chance at a full and speedy recovery.

Diagnosis and treatment are essential for babies with neonatal meningitis. With early diagnosis and swift treatment, 7 out of 10 babies with bacterial meningitis make full recoveries.

Without treatment, neonatal bacterial meningitis is almost always fatal. Starting treatment quickly, however, can help your baby have the best possible outcome.

After treatment, many newborns will have no long term ill effects from neonatal meningitis. However, fatalities and other significant complications can occur from neonatal bacterial meningitis. They include:

Many babies who get neonatal meningitis make full recoveries without adverse complications. However, serious complications, including death, can result from neonatal bacterial meningitis, especially if it is untreated.

Meningitis in newborns ranges from mild to very serious. Swift diagnosis and treatment are the best ways to enable a positive outcome for your baby.

Newborn babies can absolutely recover from meningitis. Your baby’s healthcare professional will test your baby for the cause of their condition. This will ensure that they get the best, most effective treatment possible.

Neonatal meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens, like fungi.

The most common cause of neonatal meningitis is viral, such as viruses that cause the common cold. When neonatal meningitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus or by bacteria, such as E. coli, prompt treatment is essential. Without treatment, complications, including death, can occur.

If your baby has symptoms of meningitis or if you are concerned about them, see a healthcare professional or seek emergency care immediately.