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Incidence of meningitis in Manipal
K S Seetha1, R Murthy, P G Shivananda
1Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka.
Abstract:
One thousand one hundred and seventy cerebro spinal fluid (CSF) samples from clinically diagnosed meningitis patients were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic examination. CSF samples were also cultured. Five percent CSF samples were positive for bacterial (4.3%) and fungal (0.7%) organisms. Gram positivity was observed in 6.4% samples. The percentage of bacterial isolates was highest in newborn and infants (6.1%) and (4.3%) in patients of 1-12 years age group. Cryptococcus species were isolated from 8 adult patients. Among Gram positive bacterial isolates, coagulase negative Staphylococci was highest (8%), followed by Pneumococci (6%) and B-haemolytic Streptococci (2%). Among Gram negative bacilli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was predominant (42%) followed by Klebsiella species (20%) though Klebsiella was predominant in newborns and infants.
Insights
Cerebrospinal fluid analysis of 1170 meningitis patients revealed bacterial and fungal infections in 5% of samples. Bacterial meningitis was most prevalent in newborns and infants, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the predominant Gram-negative isolate.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Meningitis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is crucial for diagnosing meningitis and identifying causative pathogens.
- Understanding the spectrum of microbial pathogens in meningitis is essential for effective treatment and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbiological profile of meningitis in a cohort of clinically diagnosed patients.
- To determine the prevalence of bacterial and fungal organisms in cerebrospinal fluid samples.
- To identify common causative agents and their distribution across different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Macroscopic and microscopic examination of 1170 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples.
- Cerebrospinal fluid culture for bacterial and fungal isolation.
- Identification of bacterial and fungal species and assessment of Gram staining characteristics.
Main Results:
- Overall, 5% of CSF samples were positive for microbial growth (4.3% bacterial, 0.7% fungal).
- Gram positivity was observed in 6.4% of samples.
- Bacterial isolates were most frequent in newborns and infants (6.1%) and children aged 1-12 years (4.3%).
- Cryptococcus species were isolated from 8 adult patients.
- Predominant Gram-positive isolates included coagulase-negative Staphylococci (8%), Pneumococci (6%), and B-hemolytic Streptococci (2%).
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (42%) was the most common Gram-negative bacillus, followed by Klebsiella species (20%), which were also predominant in newborns and infants.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial and fungal pathogens are identified in a small percentage of clinically diagnosed meningitis cases.
- Age is a significant factor, with higher bacterial isolation rates in younger populations.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella species are key Gram-negative pathogens, while coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Pneumococci are notable Gram-positive causes.
- Timely microbiological diagnosis is vital for guiding appropriate antimicrobial therapy in meningitis patients.