An Unusual Case of Escherichia Coli Meningitis in an Immunocompetent Adult

Spontaneous meningitis caused by Gram-negative bacilli is rare in adults. It typically occurs after a neurosurgical procedure or head injury but may also be related to the presence of a neurosurgical device, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak syndrome, or seen in immunosuppressed patients. ( ) is the leading cause of Gram-negative bacilli meningitis. We describe the case of a 47-year-old man who was hospitalized for spontaneous, community-acquired meningitis, which is unusual to see in an immunocompetent adult. CSF analysis was consistent with bacterial meningitis; his blood culture was positive for Within 24 hours of initiation of antibiotics, his status improved.