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[Role of viral-bacterial associations in meningitis in children]
Abstract:
A total of 50 section cases of meningitis in children were investigated. All patients revealed acute viral respiratory infections with generalization, including lesions of the central nervous system (CNS). In 14 children moreover meningococcal infection was diagnosed. In 30 children lesions of the CNS were due to mixed bacterial microflora. In 6 children along with acute viral respiratory infections (AVRI) mycoplasmosis was also revealed. Etiology of the process was determined on the basis of characteristic structural changes in the CNS and other organs, findings of virological and bacteriological investigations. In the majority of children the intravascular blood coagulation was observed. Waterhouse-Friderichsen's syndrome was revealed mainly in meningococcal infection. In order to ascertain the data obtained case records of 120 children, who had undergone treatment in connection with meningococcal infection, were analysed. It turned out that all 42 children, who had developed this disease independently, recovered. Combination of the disease with AVRI led to fatal outcomes in 12 cases out of 72.
Insights
This study investigated childhood meningitis, finding that acute viral respiratory infections (AVRI) combined with other pathogens like meningococcus significantly increase central nervous system (CNS) damage and mortality risk.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Meningitis in children can arise from various infectious agents.
- Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is a critical complication.
- Understanding the interplay of different pathogens is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiology and outcomes of meningitis in pediatric cases.
- To identify the role of acute viral respiratory infections (AVRI) and other microbial agents in meningitis.
- To analyze the impact of co-infections on disease severity and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 50 pediatric meningitis cases.
- Review of 120 case records for meningococcal infection outcomes.
- Etiological determination through clinical presentation, CNS pathology, and laboratory investigations (virological, bacteriological).
Main Results:
- 50 pediatric meningitis cases were analyzed, with CNS lesions noted in all.
- Common co-infections included meningococcal infection (14 cases), mixed bacterial microflora (30 cases), and mycoplasmosis (6 cases) alongside AVRI.
- Intravascular blood coagulation was observed in most children; Waterhouse-Friderichsen's syndrome was linked to meningococcal infection.
- Analysis of 120 meningococcal cases showed 42 independent cases recovered fully, while 12 of 72 cases combined with AVRI were fatal.
Conclusions:
- Acute viral respiratory infections (AVRI) can exacerbate meningitis, particularly when co-occurring with bacterial pathogens like Neisseria meningitidis.
- Mixed infections and complications like intravascular coagulation significantly influence meningitis prognosis in children.
- Prompt diagnosis and understanding of co-infectious agents are vital for improving outcomes in pediatric meningitis.