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Streptococcal meningitis in adults: therapeutic outcomes and prognostic factors

C H Lu1, W N Chang, H W Chang

  • 1Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung, 123, Ta Pei Road, Niao Sung Hsiang, Kaohsiung Hsien, Taiwan, ROC. chlu99@ms44.url.com.tw

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery
|September 5, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcal meningitis, a serious infection, was studied in 38 patients. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common cause, and while antibiotic resistance was rare, mortality remained high at 34%.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Streptococcal meningitis is a significant cause of central nervous system infection.
  • Understanding the epidemiology and outcomes of streptococcal meningitis is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the characteristics, causative streptococcal species, and therapeutic outcomes of streptococcal meningitis.
  • To identify factors associated with mortality in patients with streptococcal meningitis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 38 patients diagnosed with streptococcal meningitis over 13.5 years.
  • Identification of causative streptococcal species and assessment of antibiotic resistance.
  • Statistical analysis, including multiple logistic regression, to determine mortality predictors.

Main Results:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequent pathogen (19 cases).
  • Community-acquired infections (35 cases) predominated over nosocomial infections (3 cases).
  • The overall mortality rate was 34%, with initial consciousness level and seizure presence being significant predictors.

Conclusions:

  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are critical for improving survival in streptococcal meningitis.
  • While multi-antibiotic resistant strains were rare, outcomes varied by streptococcal species.
  • Consciousness level and seizures are key indicators for predicting mortality.

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