A form of gram-negative meningitis that tends to occur in neonates, in association with anatomical abnormalities (which feature communication between the meninges and cutaneous structures) or as opportunistic infections in association with immunologic deficiency syndromes. In premature neonates the clinical presentation may be limited to anorexia; vomiting; lethargy; or respiratory distress. Full-term infants may have as additional features fever; seizures; and bulging of the anterior fontanelle. (From Menkes, Textbook of child neurology, 5th ed, pp398-400)