Neonatal meningitis caused by atypical Streptococcus pneumoniae: Case report and review Meningitis neonatal por Streptococcus pneumoniae atípico: Reporte de un caso y revisión

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a rarely recognized cause of neonatal sepsis and/or meningitis, but it is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, S. pneumoniae is identified in the laboratory by demonstrating susceptibility to optochin. However, the emergence of optochin-resistant organisms makes definite identification difficult when only phenotypic tests are taken as markers. We present the case of a severe early-onset neonatal meningitis due to an atypical strain of S. pneumoniae. Laboratory methods utilized to certify this species diagnosis are discussed. © 2006 Sociedad Chilena de Infectología.