Neonatal meningitis by Cupriavidus pauculus: A rare pathogen with suspected vertical transmission
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: We report Cupriavidus pauculus meningitis in a preterm neonate, likely vertically transmitted. The mother, at 33 + 6 weeks, had severe pneumonia and ARDS, requiring ICU admission and emergency C-section. The 1641g neonate developed early respiratory distress, followed by apnea and lethargy by day 6. CSF confirmed bacterial meningitis, initially misidentified as Pseudomonas; VITEK-2 identified C. pauculus. This first possible vertical transmission and second reported neonatal meningitis case highlights diagnostic challenges. MALDI-TOF may misidentify rare pathogens due to protein overlap and limited spectra. VITEK's biochemical profiling improves accuracy; combining identification methods and retesting enhances diagnostic reliability.
Authors: Nirajana Chattopadhyay, Choudri Muzafar Paswal, Wrik Laha, Swasthi Kabi Satpathy, Kumar S. Abhishek, Neeraj Gupta, Sourabh Sharma, Vibhor Tak
Institution: All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,210
OpenAlex ID: W4414591052