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Updated: Jul 21, 2026
08:27
Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat
Published on: October 29, 2014
Rational antibiotics therapy in bacterial meningitis
1Department of Pediatrics, Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|May 1, 2002
Summary
Acute bacterial meningitis requires careful antibiotic selection based on patient age and pathogen. Treatment varies for neonatal (Gram-negative) and post-neonatal (e.g., S. pneumoniae) meningitis, guiding effective antimicrobial therapy.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute bacterial meningitis is a significant cause of illness and death globally, particularly in developing nations.
- Effective treatment hinges on the judicious use of antibiotics, considering patient age and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) penetration.
- Pathogen identification is crucial for tailoring antimicrobial strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline appropriate antibiotic selection for acute bacterial meningitis based on age-specific pathogens.
- To emphasize the importance of CSF penetrability in antimicrobial choice.
- To discuss current therapeutic recommendations and controversial aspects of meningitis treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of established treatment guidelines for bacterial meningitis.
- Analysis of common pathogens associated with neonatal versus post-neonatal meningitis.
- Consideration of antibiotic properties, including CSF penetration and spectrum of activity.
Main Results:
- Neonatal meningitis typically involves Gram-negative organisms (e.g., E. coli, Klebsiella) and is treated with ampicillin plus a third-generation cephalosporin for 14-21 days.
- Post-neonatal meningitis often involves S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, or H. influenzae, treated with third-generation cephalosporins, potentially with penicillin or ampicillin.
- Therapy adjustments based on culture sensitivity reports are essential.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic choice for bacterial meningitis must be age-specific and pathogen-informed.
- Combination therapy is recommended for neonatal meningitis, while post-neonatal meningitis treatment varies.
- The role of dexamethasone in non-H. influenzae meningitis remains an area of ongoing research and debate.
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