Proteus and coliform meningoencephalitis in neonates.

The characteristic necropsy and histological appearances are described of nine cases of Proteus meningoencephalitis in neonates. One case which was not due to Proteus has been included because of the close similarity of the gross appearances of the brain. Umbilical sepsis in half the cases indicated that this is a common portal of entry of these organisms. That epidemiological factors may be of importance in the aetiology was suggested by the distribution of cases.