Chryseobacterium meningosepticum is associated with nosocomial outbreaks and contaminated respiratory therapy equipment. Which population is most at risk for infection by this organism?

• A. Immunocompetent adults
• B. Immunocompromised adults
• C. Neonates
• D. Pediatric outpatients

Answer: (B)

This question tests how this organism behaves in hospital settings and which patients are most vulnerable. Chryseobacterium meningosepticum is notorious for producing outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units and for causing meningitis and septicemia in newborns. Neonates have immature immune systems and often require invasive devices and prolonged hospital care, which increases their exposure to contaminated respiratory therapy equipment and other moist hospital environments where this organism can persist. While immunocompromised adults can be at risk for many infections, the group most at risk for infection by this organism is neonates.