Neonatal meningitisDownloads

A 7-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department because of high-grade fever and lethargy for 4 days. He has had a severe headache for 3 days and 2 episodes of non-bilious vomiting. He has sickle cell disease. His only medication is hydroxyurea. His mother has refused vaccinations and antibiotics in the past because of their possible side effects. He appears ill. His temperature is 40.1°C (104.2°F), pulse is 131/min, and blood pressure is 92/50 mm Hg. Examination shows nuchal rigidity. Kernig and Brudzinski signs are present. A lumbar puncture is performed. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shows a decreased glucose concentration, increased protein concentration, and numerous segmented neutrophils. A Gram stain of the CSF shows gram-negative coccobacilli. This patient is at greatest risk for which of the following complications?

A previously healthy 10-day-old infant is brought to the emergency department by his mother because of episodes of weakness and spasms for the past 12 hours. His mother states that he has also had difficulty feeding and a weak suck. He has not had fever, cough, diarrhea, or vomiting. He was born at 39 weeks' gestation via uncomplicated vaginal delivery at home. Pregnancy was uncomplicated. The mother refused antenatal vaccines out of concern they would cause side effects. She is worried his symptoms may be from some raw honey his older sister maybe inadvertently fed him 5 days ago. He appears irritable. His temperature is 37.1°C (98.8°F). Examination shows generalized muscle stiffness and twitches. His fontanelles are soft and flat. The remainder of the examination shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most likely causal organism?