Fusobacterium necrophorum Meningitis 27 Pediatric Cases From a French National Observatory

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 2026

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Authors: Joanna Sassine, Sarah Le Meur, Corinne Lévy, Stéphane Béchet, Stéphane Bonacorsi, Marion Caséris, Aurélie Cointe, Robert Cohen, Jean Gaschignard
DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000005129
Cited by: 0
References: 16

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fusobacterium necrophorum is primarily involved in ear, nose and throat (ENT) infections, and exceptionally causes meningitis. We aimed at describing specific clinical features associated with cases of F. necrophorum meningitis. METHODS: Cases of F. necrophorum meningitis were prospectively collected by a network of 259 pediatric wards covering 60% of French pediatric wards between 2001 and 2024. Children were categorized in 2 groups: "isolated" meningitis and "complicated" meningitis, defined by ≥1 local or systemic complication (mastoiditis, subperiosteal or epidural abscess, Lemierre syndrome). RESULTS: A total of 27 cases of F. necrophorum meningitis were recorded. Median age was 4 years old (2-7 years) and only 2 were

Fields of Study & Subjects

Otolaryngology and Infectious Diseases Infective Endocarditis Diagnosis and Management Diphtheria Corynebacterium and Tetanus

Publication details

Journal / source
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Volume
45
Issue
6
Pages
e189–e192
Publication date
2 January 2026
Language
EN