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Identification of viridans streptococcal species causing bacterial meningitis in adults in Taiwan

W N Chang1, J J Wu, C R Huang

  • 1Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung, 123 Ta Pei Road, Kaohsiung Hsien, Taiwan.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|June 20, 2002
PubMed

Insights

In Taiwan, Streptococcus milleri group bacteria are the primary cause of adult bacterial meningitis. This study identified Streptococcus constellatus as the most frequent species responsible for these invasive central nervous system infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Viridans-group streptococci are increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens.
  • Bacterial meningitis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in adults.
  • Limited data exists on the specific species causing meningitis in Taiwan.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the predominant viridans-group streptococcal species causing meningitis in adults in Taiwan.
  • To assess the prevalence of these infections within the overall burden of adult bacterial meningitis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of seven culture-proven cases of viridans-group streptococcal meningitis.
  • Isolates were identified to the species level.
  • Case data collected over a three-year period at a single tertiary care hospital.

Main Results:

  • Viridans-group streptococci accounted for 9% (7/78) of adult bacterial meningitis cases.
  • Streptococcus constellatus was the most common species (4/7 isolates).
  • Streptococcus anginosus (2/7) and Streptococcus oralis (1/7) were also identified.

Conclusions:

  • Streptococci of the milleri group are the most common cause of adult bacterial meningitis in Taiwan.
  • The potential for these species to cause invasive central nervous system infections should be recognized.
  • Clinical vigilance is warranted when these bacteria are isolated from cerebrospinal fluid.

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