Meningitis or Meningococcal Septicaemia
Antimicrobial prescribing: NHS Grampian, Orkney & Shetland
Micro Organisms
Age less than 1 month - Group B Streptococcus, E.coli, S. pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes
Age over 1 month - Neisseria meningitidis, S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae type b
Duration
Refer to BNFC for course lengths for appropriate organisms
Important: Therapy
IV Cefotaxime
Notes:
If prolonged or multiple antibiotic use or travel to areas outside the UK in last 3 months contact Paediatric Infection Specialist or microbiology for advice.
Important: Therapy
Seek specialist advice from Paediatric Infectious Diseases Consultant or Medical Microbiology.
Notes:
Important: Notes
Treatment should not be delayed in suspected cases of bacterial meningitis.
Send CSF and blood for culture. If purpuric lesions present, a biopsy for direct microscopy and culture may be considered.
Specialist advice from medical microbiology is essential.
Contact Public Health Consultant for advice about secondary cases.