We report fatal meningitis in 2 neonates in France caused by Shiga toxin 1-producing Escherichia coli. Virulence factors capsular K1 antigen and salmochelin were present in both strains, potentially representing a new hybrid pathotype. Clinicians should remain aware of emerging pathotypes and design therapeutic strategies for neonatal E. coli infections.
Keywords: Escherichia coli; France; Shiga toxin; Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli; bacteria; enteric infections; meningitis/encephalitis; neonate; newborn.