Coliform meningitis in the newborn.

Thirty-six patients with coliform meningitis in the 15-year period 1960-1974 are reported. Only 9 patients survived unscathed though the other 5 survivors were not seriously affected. During the septicaemic phase of the illness the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), though positive on culture, may be otherwise normal. Meningitis can ensue even when the patient is receiving antibiotics to which the organism is sensitive and the possible disadvantages of using a nondiffusible antibiotic must be appreciated. The CSF in Esch. coli meningitis can be persistently haemorrhagic which may cause difficulties in the initial diagnosis. It must be emphasized that infective illness in the newborn is often nonspecific in its presentation and that repeated bacteriological investigations are essential in neonates who are unwell.