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Neonatal meningitis.
A A Al-Harthi1, K A Dagriri, A A Asindi
1College of Medicine, King Khalid University, PO Box 641, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Medical Journal
|August 14, 2001
Summary
Klebsiella pneumoniae and Serratia marcescens were the primary causes of neonatal meningitis in Saudi Arabia between 1993-1998. This study highlights unique bacterial patterns and guides antibiotic choices for neonatal infections.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Neonatal meningitis poses a significant threat to infant health.
- Understanding local etiological agents and their antibiotic resistance is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the main bacterial pathogens causing neonatal meningitis.
- To assess the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of these pathogens.
- To inform empirical antibiotic therapy in a Saudi Arabian intensive care unit.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of cerebrospinal fluid cultures from neonates.
- Analysis of 32 meningitis episodes from 1473 nursery admissions (1993-1998).
Main Results:
- Klebsiella pneumoniae (31%) and Serratia marcescens (21%) were the predominant pathogens.
- High incidence of concurrent septicemia (58%) observed.
- Mortality rate was 48%.
Conclusions:
- Klebsiella pneumoniae and Serratia sp. are key etiological agents in this region.
- Serratia infection frequency is notably high compared to global reports.
- Imipenem and cefotaxime are recommended empirical antibiotics, replacing ampicillin.