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Published on: February 9, 2011

Nosocomial meningitis caused by Staphylococcus other than S. aureus in children: multicentre study

F Bauer1, M Huttova, B Rudinsky

  • 1School of Medicine and School of Health, Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Bratislava, Kosice, Banska Bystrica, Nitra, Slovakia.

Neuro Endocrinology Letters
|June 15, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Coagulase-negative staphylococci are the most common cause of hospital-acquired meningitis, often linked to neurosurgery. Antibiotic resistance, including to vancomycin, is a significant concern in these infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Nosocomial meningitis poses a significant threat in healthcare settings.
  • Staphylococci, excluding *S. aureus*, are increasingly recognized as important pathogens.
  • Understanding risk factors and resistance patterns is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiology of nosocomial meningitis caused by non-*aureus* staphylococci.
  • To identify major risk factors associated with these infections.
  • To assess the antibiotic resistance profiles of the causative strains.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 101 cases of nosocomial meningitis.
  • Involved staphylococci species other than *Staphylococcus aureus*.
  • Data collected over a 15-year period.

Main Results:

  • Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most frequent pathogens.
  • Prior neurosurgery, particularly ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion, was the primary risk factor.
  • 10% of cases involved glycopeptide-intermediate resistant strains, often with prior vancomycin exposure.
  • 76% of strains exhibited oxacillin resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Non-*aureus* staphylococci are a common cause of hospital-acquired meningitis.
  • Neurosurgical procedures are a major predisposing factor.
  • High rates of antibiotic resistance, including to vancomycin and oxacillin, necessitate careful treatment strategies.

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