Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing of Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Detection of Central Nervous System Pathogens
Published on: April 17, 2026
Antimicrobial susceptibility of cerebrospinal isolates from patients with meningitis
A Liskova1, J Benca, E Kalavsky
1St Charles Lwanga Clinic, Tropical Project of St Elizabeth University College, Buikwe, Uganda.
Abstract:
Str. pneumoniae isolates were susceptible to penicillin, all to also ofloxacin and chloramphenicol and cefotaxim and 39 (100%) to cotrimoxazol. Concerning S. aureus, all isolates 22 were susceptible to oxacillin and chloramphenicol, and 21 also to cotrimoxazol. All N. meningitidis isolates but one-10 of all were susceptible to penicillin, all to cefotaxim, chloramphenicol and cotrimoxazol. All H.influenzae isolates were susceptible to ampicillin and chloramphenicol, as well as to ofloxacin and cotrimoxazol. Those surprisingly high susceptibilities to rather "old" antibiotics may be explained by low antibiotic consumption, accessibility and therefore low usage which is a key promoter of resistance both in community and hospital.
Insights
This study found high susceptibility rates of common bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae, to older antibiotics. Low antibiotic usage is suggested as a key factor in maintaining this antibiotic susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Stewardship
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
- Understanding local patterns of bacterial susceptibility is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of key bacterial pathogens.
- To investigate potential reasons for observed susceptibility patterns.
Main Methods:
- Isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae were tested.
- Standard antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods were employed.
Main Results:
- High susceptibility rates were observed for Streptococcus pneumoniae to penicillin, ofloxacin, chloramphenicol, cefotaxim, and cotrimoxazole.
- Staphylococcus aureus isolates showed 100% susceptibility to oxacillin and chloramphenicol, and 95% to cotrimoxazole.
- Neisseria meningitidis demonstrated high susceptibility to penicillin, cefotaxim, chloramphenicol, and cotrimoxazole.
- Haemophilus influenzae isolates were fully susceptible to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, ofloxacin, and cotrimoxazole.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights surprisingly high susceptibilities to older antibiotics.
- Low antibiotic consumption and usage are proposed as primary drivers for maintaining these susceptibility levels.
- This underscores the importance of judicious antibiotic stewardship in preventing resistance.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Viral Meningitis
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
