Fatal Yersinia enterocolitica meningitis in thalassemia major.

A case of meningitis by Yersinia enterocolitica in a patient with thalassemia major is described. The Yersinia has been identified both in the cerebrospinal fluid and in the feces. The clinic syndrome began with gastroenteritis and was suddenly complicated by septicemia and meningitis. In spite of a prompt and specific antibiotic therapy, the disease led the patient to death.