Meningitis due to penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease

Bone Marrow Transplant. 1992 Apr;9(4):299-300.

Abstract

Two episodes of meningitis due to penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae occurring in two patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are reported. Both patients were treated with ceftazidime. The first patient died, unresponsive to therapy. The second patient showed clinical improvement, reverting to her baseline mental status. This report draws attention to the fact that in chronic GVHD patients: (1) bacterial prophylaxis does not ensure protection against encapsulated bacteria; (2) rapid microbiological investigation is recommended with any upper respiratory tract infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bacterial Infections / prevention & control
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Ceftazidime / therapeutic use
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Graft vs Host Disease / complications*
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / surgery
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Pneumococcal / drug therapy
  • Meningitis, Pneumococcal / etiology*
  • Penicillin Resistance
  • Primary Myelofibrosis / surgery

Substances

  • Ceftazidime