What sign or symptom is most indicative of meningitis in an infant?

The presence of a high-pitched cry and bulging fontanelles in an infant is particularly indicative of meningitis. This combination reflects increased intracranial pressure and potential irritation of the central nervous system. The high-pitched cry can be described as inconsolable and is often a sign of distress in infants, which may suggest an underlying serious condition like meningitis.

Bulging fontanelles occur when there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid or swelling in the brain, both of which are common in cases of meningitis. The fontanelles are the soft spots on an infant's skull that remain open to allow for brain growth, and when they bulge, it can signal that something is wrong within the cranial cavity.

Understanding the other signs or symptoms helps clarify why they are less indicative of meningitis. Signs such as low-grade fever and depressed fontanelles do not align with the typical presentation for meningitis. Kehre sign, which is associated more with other forms of physical examination findings rather than specific meningitis symptoms, is also not a direct indicator. High fever, drooling, and tachycardia may suggest infection or other issues but do not specifically pinpoint meningitis as clearly as the combination of a high-pitched