2026, Vol. 8, Issue 2, Part A
When burns affect the brain: A case of pediatric meningoencephalitis
Author(s): Mohammed Benlili, El Abbassi Mohamed, Zakaria Rahali and Ayat Allah Oufkir
Abstract: Severe burn injuries are associated with a high risk of infectious complications due to extensive skin barrier disruption, prolonged intensive care stays, repeated surgical procedures, and burn-induced immunosuppression. While infections are common in burn patients, central nervous system involvement such as meningitis or encephalitis remains rare, particularly in the pediatric population and in the absence of cranial trauma.
We report the case of a 13-year-old child admitted for severe thermal burns involving 37% of the total body surface area. The patient initially presented with stable neurological status and no head injury. During hospitalization, the clinical course was complicated by septic shock and recurrent bacteremia caused by multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and Enterobacter hormaechei. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, the patient developed persistent high-grade fever and acute neuropsychiatric manifestations, notably visual hallucinations and transient alteration of consciousness.
Neuroimaging was unremarkable; however, cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed marked neutrophilic pleocytosis, supporting the diagnosis of bacterial meningoencephalitis. Antibiotic therapy was subsequently adapted based on microbiological findings and central nervous system penetration. Following targeted treatment, the patient showed rapid clinical improvement, with resolution of fever and complete recovery of neurological function.
This case highlights a rare but serious complication of severe pediatric burns and emphasizes the diagnostic challenges of central nervous system infections in this context. Persistent fever and unexplained neurological symptoms in burn patients should prompt early consideration of meningoencephalitis, even in the absence of cranial trauma. Early lumbar puncture and appropriate antimicrobial therapy with adequate cerebrospinal fluid penetration are essential to improving outcomes.
DOI: 10.22271/27080056.2026.v8.i2a.169Pages: 01-05 | Views: 15 | Downloads: 7Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Mohammed Benlili, El Abbassi Mohamed, Zakaria Rahali, Ayat Allah Oufkir.
When burns affect the brain: A case of pediatric meningoencephalitis. J Case Rep Sci Images 2026;8(2):01-05. DOI:
10.22271/27080056.2026.v8.i2a.169
