SVOA Paediatrics

Laura A. Tseng^1,2, Bartelt M. de Jongh³, Annemiek Roescher⁴, Ginette Ecury-Goossen^1*

¹Department of Neonatology, Curaçao Medical Center, Willemstad, Curaçao.

²Department of Pediatrics, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

³Department of Medical Microbiology, Analytical Diagnostic Center, Willemstad, Curaçao.

⁴Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.

*Corresponding Author: Ginette Ecury-Goossen, Department of Neonatology, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Curaçao Medical Center, J. H. J. Hamelbergweg Willemstad, Curaçao.

https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOAPD.2026.05.031

Received: August 24, 2026

Published: September 20, 2026

Citation: Tseng LA, de Jongh BM, Roescher A, Ecury-Goossen G. Hydrocephalus Due to Neonatal Septicemia, Meningitis and Ventriculitis Caused by Multi-Resistant Elizabethkingia Anophelis: A Not So Uncommon Complication. SVOA Paediatrics 2026, 5:5, 203-208. doi: 10.58624/ SVOAPD.2026.05.031

Abstract

Elizabethkingia anophelis is a rare pathogen causing an increasing incidence of neonatal meningitis including neurological sequelae–and mortality. The path towards diagnosis and adequate treatment may be challenging due to its rarity and multi-resistant antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. We describe the therapeutic challenges of a case of neonatal septicemia, meningitis and ventriculitis with accompanying hydrocephalus. In addition, we show that hydrocephalus in E. anophelis meningitis/ventriculitis may be a common complication requiring interventions such as ventriculoperitoneal drainage. Therefore, repeated brain imaging during disease course is advised. Awareness of the multi-resistant features of this pathogen may lead to earlier adequate treatment, while awaiting antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.

Keywords: Neonates, Elizabethkingia, Meningitis, (Post-Infectious) Hydrocephalus