Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Demonstrating a Multi-drug Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Amplification Microarray
07:35

Demonstrating a Multi-drug Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Amplification Microarray

Published on: April 25, 2014

Multidrug-resistant tuberculous meningitis in patients with AIDS

G L Daikos1, T Cleary, A Rodriguez

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA. gdaikos@med.uoa.gr

The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease : the Official Journal of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
|May 6, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Multidrug-resistant tuberculous meningitis (MDR-TB) is a severe complication in AIDS patients, often proving fatal despite treatment. This study highlights the poor outcomes and clinical challenges associated with this difficult-to-treat infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Tuberculous meningitis (TB meningitis) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.
  • Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) presents a growing therapeutic challenge, with tuberculous meningitis being a severe and often fatal complication.
  • Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) further complicates TB meningitis management due to immune suppression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinical features, microbiological profiles, and patient outcomes for a cohort of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculous meningitis (MDR-TB) and AIDS.
  • To identify key challenges in the diagnosis and management of MDR-TB meningitis in the context of advanced HIV infection.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case series analysis of eight patients diagnosed with MDR-TB meningitis and AIDS.
  • Review of clinical presentations, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings, neuroimaging results, and treatment outcomes.
  • Bacteriologic characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates to confirm drug resistance patterns.

Main Results:

  • All eight patients presented with meningitis as a terminal complication of known MDR-TB, despite ongoing anti-tuberculosis therapy.
  • Common clinical manifestations included fever, headache, and altered mentation. CSF analysis consistently showed pleocytosis, low glucose, and high protein levels.
  • Neuroimaging revealed intracerebral mass lesions, hydrocephalus, meningeal enhancement, and infarcts in several patients. Seven patients died within 16 weeks of meningitis diagnosis; one was lost to follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • MDR-TB meningitis in patients with AIDS is associated with a very high fatality rate and represents a difficult-to-treat infectious complication.
  • Early diagnosis and effective, though challenging, therapeutic strategies are crucial for managing this severe condition.
  • The study underscores the need for improved diagnostic and treatment approaches for MDR-TB meningitis in immunocompromised populations.

More Related Videos

The MODS method for diagnosis of tuberculosis and multidrug resistant tuberculosis23:06

The MODS method for diagnosis of tuberculosis and multidrug resistant tuberculosis

Published on: August 11, 2008

Related Concept Videos

Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V

Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV

Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Tuberculosis01:23

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, primarily targeting the lungs and spreading through airborne transmission. Infection begins when aerosolized droplet nuclei, expelled by an individual with active TB, are inhaled by another person. These microscopic particles carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Upon reaching the alveoli, the bacilli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, due to their specialized lipid-rich cell wall, these pathogens...
Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...