Meningitis due to Bacillus cereus in an infant with Reye syndrome

OBSERVATION: We report the case of a 2.5-month-old infant with Bacillus cereus meningitis who was initially admitted for Reye syndrome. Gram positive bacteria was isolated in CSF and shown to be located inside the polymorphonuclears. This pathogen was further identified by sequencing of the 16S RNA. Early administration of imipenem in association with amikacin resulted in a rapid recovery. No obvious immune defect or invasive procedure could be assessed. CONCLUSION: Although Bacillus cereus is mainly associated with contamination, repeated isolations of this bacteria may be due to true infection.