Meningoencephalitis due to penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae.

The case of a 68-year-old man suffering from pneumococcal meningoencephalitis is reported. Antibacterial susceptibility tests revealed a multiply resistant pneumococcal strain. High doses of cefotaxime were necessary to sterilize the cerebrospinal fluid despite the achievement of a satisfactory level of antibiotic in the cerebrospinal fluid with moderate dosage. In France, as well as in many countries, high doses of third-generation cephalosporins such as cefotaxime or ceftriaxone should be administered for the initial therapy of suspected pneumococcal meningitis.