Rapid progressive destruction of the cochleae in an infant due to pneumococcal meningitis

The widespread adoption of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines has reduced the incidence of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections, but has also led to the emergence of infections due to non-vaccine serotypes. A 15-month-old girl was referred to our hospital with suspected meningitis. S. pneumoniae was isolated from her cerebrospinal fluid. She was initially treated with a combination of cefotaxime and vancomycin, followed by ampicillin and vancomycin. After 7 days, the patient's condition improved and she was transferred to the general ward; however, her mother noted signs of hearing difficulties. On the 16th day of admission, we performed an auditory brainstem response test, which suggested severe bilateral hearing impairment. This was confirmed using an auditory steady-state response test after consulting with otolaryngologists. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed fibrosis of both cochleae with labyrinthitis. The patient underwent emergency cochlear implantation at a different hospital. The S. pneumoniae isolate was later identified to be serotype 10A with a PBP2x mutation, which is not covered by the conjugate vaccine and has reduced cephalosporin susceptibility. This case was characterized by highly rapid cochlear destruction, and an earlier otolaryngologist consultation may have provided a more well-organized surgery plan. Pediatricians are urged to promptly consult with otolaryngologists for patients with similar indications.