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Community acquired-bacterial meningitis in adults

V Chotmongkol1, C Techoruangwiwat

  • 1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.

The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|April 6, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Community-acquired bacterial meningitis in Thailand showed common pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. The study highlights a significant 34% mortality rate in patients aged 15 and older.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Community-acquired bacterial meningitis is a serious infection.
  • Understanding regional epidemiology is crucial for public health.
  • Data from Thailand on this condition is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinical characteristics, pathogens, and outcomes of bacterial meningitis in Thailand.
  • To identify common causative agents and mortality rates.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.
  • Inclusion criteria: age >= 15 years, diagnosis between 1984-1998.
  • Analysis of clinical presentation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings, Gram's staining, pathogen identification, and mortality.

Main Results:

  • Eighty-five patients were included.
  • Typical presentation: acute meningitis with CSF neutrophilic pleocytosis and low glucose.
  • CSF Gram's staining was positive in 79%.
  • Most common pathogens: Streptococcus pneumoniae (28%) and Escherichia coli (14%).
  • Overall mortality rate was 34%.

Conclusions:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae and Escherichia coli were the primary bacterial pathogens.
  • Bacterial meningitis in this region had a high mortality rate.
  • Findings underscore the need for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

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