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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
07:47
Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage
Published on: February 15, 2013
A 20-year epidemiological study of pneumococcal meningitis
1Department of Medicine, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, West Virginia 25701-3655, USA.
Summary
Community-acquired Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis had a high fatality rate, particularly in adults. Chloramphenicol and third-generation cephalosporins showed better outcomes than penicillin or gentamicin for treating this serious infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of community-acquired bacterial meningitis.
- Meningitis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
- Understanding regional epidemiology and treatment outcomes is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of community-acquired Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different antimicrobial treatments.
- To identify risk factors associated with mortality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 55 cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis in Huntington, WV (1978-1997).
- Data collected on patient demographics, serotypes, antimicrobial susceptibility, treatment regimens, and outcomes.
- Case-fatality rates were calculated based on treatment and patient groups.
Main Results:
- Overall mortality was 36.8% in adults and 11.8% in children.
- Penicillin resistance was observed in three strains, but all patients survived.
- Chloramphenicol and third-generation cephalosporins demonstrated lower case-fatality rates compared to other treatments.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis poses a substantial threat, with higher mortality in adults.
- Treatment with chloramphenicol or third-generation cephalosporins appears more effective than older regimens.
- Further research into optimal treatment strategies and the impact of vaccination is warranted.
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