Group B streptococcal meningitis in adults

Abstract

Group B streptococcal (GBS) meningitis is a frequent entity in neonates but an uncommon cause of meningitis in adults. Retrospective analysis at our institution identified 4 adult cases over the last 25 years; an additional 46 cases from the literature were reviewed. A bimodal age distribution paralleling that seen in other severe GBS infections was observed. Clinical presentation was not unlike meningitis due to other pyogenic organisms, although a higher percentage of patients presented with less than 24 hours of symptoms. Forty-three percent of patients had no underlying illnesses. Concomitant bacteremia was present in 83% of patients. The overall mortality was 27% and was limited exclusively to patients with co-morbid illnesses. Meningitis in adults due to GBS should be considered in the immunocompetent as well as the immunocompromised host.