Early-onset Neonatal Sepsis and Meningitis Caused by Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus

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BSTRACT

Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus (SGSP), a member of the Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex (SBSEC), is an uncommon and likely underrecognized cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. Advances in microbiologic identification have improved recognition of SBSEC organisms, yet SGSP remains infrequently reported in the United States. We describe a term neonate who developed early-onset sepsis complicated by meningitis due to SGSP. The infant presented with respiratory distress within the 1 ^st day of life in the setting of maternal intrapartum fever and meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Blood cultures grew SGSP, and cerebrospinal fluid studies were consistent with bacterial meningitis. The infant responded well to beta-lactam therapy and was discharged without complications. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with viridans-like streptococci in neonates and underscores the importance of species-level identification and prompt antimicrobial therapy.