Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Characteristics of acute bacterial meningitis in Southeast Turkey

Ayaz Celal1, Geyik Mehmet Faruk, Hosoglu Salih

  • 1Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Dicle University Medical Faculty, Turkey. mefgeyik@dicle.edu.tr

Indian Journal of Medical Sciences
|September 4, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is a serious infection with significant mortality. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, such as ceftriaxone, can improve outcomes for ABM patients.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) presents a substantial global mortality risk in adults, with rates ranging from 8-40% despite antibiotic availability.
  • Understanding the specific epidemiological and clinical characteristics of ABM is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiological features, clinical presentations, treatment strategies, and outcomes of adult patients diagnosed with acute bacterial meningitis in Southeast Turkey.
  • To identify key factors influencing mortality in ABM cases within the study population.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 186 adult patients diagnosed with community-acquired ABM between June 1996 and December 2002 at Dicle University Hospital.
  • Data collected included patient demographics, clinical symptoms, predisposing factors, causative pathogens, treatment regimens, and outcomes. Statistical analysis employed Chi-square and Student's t-tests.

Main Results:

  • Headache (92.5%), fever (88.2%), and nuchal rigidity (80.1%) were common symptoms. Otitis media (21.5%) and head trauma (6.5%) were leading predisposing factors. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequent pathogen.
  • The overall mortality rate was 15.6%. Significant mortality predictors included impaired consciousness, low CSF/blood glucose ratio, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and initial treatment with penicillin G.

Conclusions:

  • Despite its severity, prompt diagnosis and effective management can reduce mortality and improve the prognosis of acute bacterial meningitis.
  • Ceftriaxone is recommended as initial empirical therapy, while vancomycin should be reserved for cases with a high risk of penicillin-resistant pneumococci.

More Related Videos

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model07:26

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model

Published on: July 1, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.