Fulminant early-onset neonatal sepsis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae: Case report and review of the literature

Early-Onset Neonatal Pneumococcal Sepsis: An Old but Sometimes Forgotten Pathogen

Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) is an uncommon but potentially serious neonatal pathogen. SP is perceived as a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in infancy; however, there are relatively few cases of neonatal sepsis recorded, with an incidence between 1% and 11%. We aim to report the spectrum of morbidity associated with SP infections in the neonatal period.

Two cases of neonatal SP infection are reported. The first neonate presented with a very early onset of severe clinical disease with bacteremia and pneumonia. She developed severe pulmonary hypertension and needed intensive ventilatory support, including nitric oxide, and vasoactive drugs. An SP serotype 23B was isolated from blood cultures and bronchial secretions as well as from the mother’s vaginal secretions. In the second case, the baby presented with bacteremia and meningitis. He remained hemodynamically stable and did not need respiratory support. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures revealed an SP serotype 8. In both cases, the neonates were treated with vancomycin and cefotaxime. Both mothers remained well and asymptomatic during the perinatal period.

These reported cases emphasize the importance of considering a wide range of microorganisms in the differential diagnosis of early-onset neonatal sepsis. Although uncommon, SP can have different clinical manifestations and cause significant diseases in newborns. Specific preventive measures against early-onset sepsis for this pathogen are yet to be implemented due to the absence of sufficient scientific evidence. For this reason, prompt and aggressive treatment remains the best therapeutic approach.