Neonatal Bacterial Meningitis

Meningitis is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, defined as inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis is more prevalent during the neonatal period and is often categorized alongside bacteremia as “neonatal sepsis” due to similar clinical manifestations. Early onset meningitis occurs within the first week of life, typically linked to perinatal infections, whereas late-onset and extremely late-onset meningitis arise from nosocomial infections or community exposures after the first week and up to 3 months. This chapter explores the epidemiology, microbiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, complications, and outcomes associated with neonatal bacterial meningitis.