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Childhood bacterial meningitis in Riyadh.
Annals of Saudi Medicine
|November 1, 1991
Summary
This study on bacterial meningitis in children found Hemophilus influenzae type b as the leading cause. A low mortality rate of 2.8% was observed, with some antibiotic resistance noted.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis remains a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally.
- Understanding the etiological agents and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the common bacterial pathogens causing meningitis in children admitted to Sulemania Children's Hospital, Riyadh.
- To determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns of these pathogens.
- To analyze the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of childhood bacterial meningitis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 106 patients with culture-positive bacterial meningitis admitted between February 1985 and July 1990.
- Identification of causative organisms through laboratory culture and sensitivity testing.
- Analysis of patient demographics, clinical findings, antibiotic pretreatment, and mortality rates.
Main Results:
- The most common pathogens in children older than 1 month were Hemophilus influenzae type b (61 cases), Streptococcus pneumoniae (19 cases), and Neisseria meningitidis (14 cases).
- In neonates, Group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (4 cases) was the most frequent cause.
- A 4.9% resistance rate to both ampicillin and chloramphenicol was observed in Hemophilus influenzae isolates.
- The overall mortality rate was 2.8%.
Conclusions:
- Hemophilus influenzae type b is the predominant cause of bacterial meningitis in children over one month in this region.
- The emergence of antibiotic resistance, particularly in Hemophilus influenzae, necessitates careful antibiotic selection.
- The low mortality rate suggests effective management, but ongoing surveillance of pathogens and resistance is vital.
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