Bacterial meningitis contracted within the first 90 days of life was most commonly attributed to infection from Escherichia coli and group B Streptococcus, each accounting approximately one-third of cases, according to research published in Pediatrics.

The researchers also suggest using a third-generation cephalosporin for empirical therapy for bacterial meningitis, with ampicillin used additionally for at least first month; this would replace the use of a carbapenem in cases of gram-negative meningitis.