Meningitis associated with spinal anaesthesia is a rare but well-known comp
lication. We report on a case of fatal bacterial meningitis following spina
l anaesthesia in a former preterm infant. The aetiology of this meningitis
could not be established. Former preterm infants represent a high-risk popu
lation because of their susceptibility to group B streptococcal meningitis
at this age as documented in a second case. Therefore we discuss whether me
ningitis was consequential or coincidental with spinal anaesthesia and coul
d have been prevented by more comprehensive preoperative laboratory screeni
ng or prophylactic antibiotics.