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Nosocomial meningitis in a university hospital between 1993 and 2002

I Palabiyikoglu1, E Tekeli, F Cokca

  • 1Infection Control Committee, Medical Faculty of Ankara University, 06 100 Samanpazari/Ankara, Turkey. iffetpala@tnn.net

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|November 18, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Nosocomial meningitis (NM) is linked to surgical interventions and hospital infections (HIs). Staphylococci and Gram-negative bacilli were the most common pathogens identified in NM cases.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery
  • Hospital Epidemiology

Background:

  • Nosocomial meningitis (NM) is a significant complication following neurosurgical procedures.
  • Understanding the relationship between NM, surgical interventions, and other hospital infections (HIs) is crucial for prevention and treatment.
  • Previous studies have highlighted the challenges in managing NM, particularly in intensive care unit (ICU) settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between nosocomial meningitis (NM) and surgical interventions.
  • To identify the types of pathogens causing NM in a neurosurgical intensive care unit.
  • To determine the prevalence of concurrent hospital infections (HIs) in patients with NM.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 51 patients diagnosed with NM between 1993 and 2002.
  • Inclusion criteria based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for NM.
  • Review of patient records, including surgical history, concurrent HIs, microbiological data, and treatment regimens.

Main Results:

  • NM occurred in 0.34% of all admissions and 0.53% of HIs.
  • Twenty-eight percent of NM patients had at least one concurrent HI, often linked to surgical site infections or bacteremia.
  • Staphylococci (30%) and Gram-negative bacilli (22%) were the most frequent pathogens; polymicrobial infections were observed in 16 cases.

Conclusions:

  • Surgical interventions, particularly ventriculoperitoneal shunt operations, are associated with nosocomial meningitis.
  • Effective management of NM requires identification of causative pathogens and addressing concurrent hospital infections.
  • Continued surveillance and implementation of infection control measures are essential in neurosurgical ICUs.

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