Nosocomial meningitis caused by Staphylococcus haemolyticus in a child with neutropenia in the absence of intracranial devices: a case report

BACKGROUND: Coagulase-negative staphylococci can cause hospital-acquired infections, especially in immunocompromised hosts. Bacterial meningitis is a potentially fatal infection of the central nervous system, causing high mortality and morbidity. In general, the causative agents of meningitis, coagulase-negative staphylococci, are associated with direct implantation of a foreign body and the presence of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt. Here, we describe a case of nosocomial meningitis caused by Staphylococcus haemolyticus in a child with neutropenia who had no intracranial foreign devices. CASE PRESENTATION: A 15-year-old boy with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia undergoing chemotherapy through a central venous catheter developed fever on Day 13 post-initiation of chemotherapy. There was no history of implantation of neurosurgical devices. Two blood cultures obtained on Day 14 were positive for Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Clinical improvement was noted, and treatment with vancomycin and removal of the central venous catheter resulted in negative repeat blood cultures on Day 18. However, the patient developed a tendency for somnolence and improper speech, along with persistent fever on Day 26. A lumber puncture was performed on Day 27, resulting in positive culture of Staphylococcus haemolyticus. He was diagnosed with meningitis and the dosage of vancomycin was increased. A repeat CSF culture was positive for Staphylococcus haemolyticus on Day 40, so oral rifampicin was added. CSF findings on Day 46 revealed a low concentration of vancomycin, and treatment was switched from vancomycin plus rifampicin to linezolid. After Day 46, four subsequent cerebrospinal fluid tests of the CSF showed no growth of Staphylococcus haemolyticus. The patient’s symptoms were improved on Day 52. Brain and spinal magnetic resonance images was taken and it showed no abnormalities. Linezolid was continued until Day 72. The patient was discharged without any complications on Day 72. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Staphylococcus haemolyticus meningitis in a patient without a neurosurgical device. Typical symptoms or signs may be absent in a patient with meningitis who also has neutropenia. Repeated tests of the CSF, and prolonged duration of antibiotics should be considered if atypical pathogens are detected in immunocompromised hosts.