TABLE 122.2 PEDIATRIC MENINGITIS CAUSATIVE ORGANISMS Age Common pathogens Birth to 90 days Group B streptococcus Escherichia coli Streptococcus pneumoniae Neisseria meningitidis Listeria monocytogenes Herpes simplex virus (HSV) Enterovirus Streptococcus pneumoniae Neisseria meningitidis Group B streptococcus Gram-negative rods Herpes simplex virus Enterovirus Streptococcus pneumoniae Neisseria meningitidis Enterovirus Neisseria meningitidis Streptococcus pneumoniae Enterovirus Arboviruses ≥3 months to years ≥3 years to 10 years ≥10 years to 18 years In exceptional cases where the meningitis is complicated by hydrocephalus, an external ventricular drain may need to be placed If the hydrocephalus is permanent from scarring of the subarachnoid spaces, a shunt for CSF diversion may need to be considered once the infection has been treated Discitis/Osteomyelitis