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Meningitis - gram-negative

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Definition:

Gram-negative meningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges) caused by gram-negative bacteria (bacteria that turn pink when exposed to a special stain).

Alternative Names:

Gram-negative meningitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Acute bacterial meningitis, which can be caused by gram-negative bacteria, is very serious and should be treated immediately to prevent permanent damage. Bacteria causing gram-negative meningitis include Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Escherichia coli , Enterobacter aerogenes , Proteus morganii , and Klebsiella pneumoniae .

Gram-negative meningitis is much more common in infants than adults.

Risk factors in adults and children include recent brain surgery and recent injury to the head . The infection is sometimes connected to spinal fluid shunt placement after brain surgery. Spinal abnormalities, urinary tract abnormalities, a local infection, or urinary tract infection may make children vulnerable to this type of meningitis.

• Review Date: 9/6/2006
• Reviewed By: Hilary M. Babcock, M.D., Medical Director of Occupational Infection Control, Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospitals; Instructor of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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