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Partial antibiotic therapy in Haemophilus infuenzae meningitis. Its effect on cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities
Abstract:
To examine the influence of partial antibiotic therapy on laboratory findings in Haemophilus influenzae meningitis, 272 untreated cases and 202 partially treated, culture-positive cases from 1953 through 1971 were reviewed. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to several cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) values. Both the untreated and partially treated groups had a similar proportion of cases with negative Gram stain and CSF glucose level over 40 mg/100 ml or a predominance of CSF mononuclear cells. Eight patients had received ampicillin sodium, chloramphenicol, or tetracycline for two days or more. The CSF findings of these patients resembled those of the untreated group. The data support the conclusion that antibiotics in the usual outpatient dosages seldom interfere with the diagnosis of H influenzae meningitis.
Insights
Partial antibiotic therapy rarely affects laboratory findings in Haemophilus influenzae meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis remains a reliable diagnostic tool even after limited antibiotic exposure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Haemophilus influenzae meningitis was a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality.
- Accurate laboratory diagnosis is crucial for timely and effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of partial antibiotic treatment on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) laboratory findings in Haemophilus influenzae meningitis.
- To determine if outpatient antibiotic use interferes with the diagnosis of H. influenzae meningitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 272 untreated and 202 partially treated, culture-positive cases of H. influenzae meningitis.
- Comparison of key CSF parameters including Gram stain, glucose levels, and cell counts between treatment groups.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in most CSF values between untreated and partially treated groups.
- Similar proportions of cases with negative Gram stains and elevated CSF glucose (>40 mg/100 ml) were found.
- CSF findings in eight patients receiving specific antibiotics (ampicillin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline) resembled those of the untreated group.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotics, even in typical outpatient dosages, seldom interfere with the laboratory diagnosis of H. influenzae meningitis.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis remains a valuable diagnostic method for H. influenzae meningitis, regardless of prior limited antibiotic exposure.