Group A Streptococcal Meningitis in a Healthy Child: A Case Report Highlighting Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25753/BirthGrowthMJ.v35.i3.42397Keywords:
drug-induced fever, group A Streptococcus bacterial meningitis, penicillinAbstract
Group A streptococci commonly causes non-invasive infections like tonsillitis and skin infections, but rarely causes invasive infections, such as bacteraemia and meningitis. Invasive streptococcal disease increased in Europe in 2022 and 2023, but rates returned to prepandemic levels in 2024. GAS meningitis remains rare. This case highlights a 13-month-old healthy child with fever, irritability alternating with periods of prostration, and petechial rash, diagnosed with Group A streptococcal meningitis. She was treated initially with ceftriaxone and vancomycin and later with penicillin based on culture results. Despite clinical and analytical improvement, persistent fever prompted further investigations, ruling out complications or other infections. The fever resolved after switching to ceftriaxone, suggesting drug-induced fever due to penicillin hypersensitivity. No neurological sequelae were detected in this case. Although rare, Group A streptococcal meningitis poses significant risks of morbidity and mortality, emphasising the need for prompt recognition and appropriate treatment.
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