Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
06:51

Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291

Published on: December 10, 2016

Ceftriaxone in treatment of serious infections. Meningitis

W M Scheld1

  • 1University of Virginia, Charlottesville.

Hospital Practice (Office Ed.)
|September 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Ceftriaxone is a preferred antibiotic for bacterial meningitis in children over three months old due to its rapid killing of bacteria in cerebrospinal fluid. Further research is needed for once-daily dosing, and it is not recommended for newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Ceftriaxone and cefotaxime are frequently used for pediatric bacterial meningitis.
  • Ceftriaxone demonstrates rapid bactericidal activity and prolonged presence in cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Current practice often involves twice-daily ceftriaxone administration, though once-daily dosing warrants further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and optimal dosing of ceftriaxone in treating bacterial meningitis.
  • To discuss the role of ceftriaxone in empiric therapy for pediatric meningitis.
  • To highlight considerations for ceftriaxone use in different age groups and specific pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current clinical practices and literature regarding ceftriaxone and cefotaxime use.
  • Analysis of pharmacokinetic properties of ceftriaxone in cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Discussion of treatment guidelines for bacterial meningitis based on age and suspected pathogens.

Main Results:

  • Ceftriaxone shows high bactericidal titers and persistence in CSF, outperforming other beta-lactams.
  • Rapid bactericidal activity is advantageous in preventing sequelae associated with prolonged positive CSF cultures.
  • Empiric ceftriaxone is effective for infants and children aged three months to 18 years, but not recommended for neonates.

Conclusions:

  • Ceftriaxone is a key agent for treating bacterial meningitis in children over three months old.
  • Ampicillin plus cefotaxime is recommended for infants up to three months.
  • In adults, ceftriaxone requires initial combination with ampicillin to cover potential Listeria monocytogenes infections.

More Related Videos

Rat Model of Widespread Cerebral Cortical Demyelination Induced by an Intracerebral Injection of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines09:46

Rat Model of Widespread Cerebral Cortical Demyelination Induced by an Intracerebral Injection of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

Published on: September 21, 2021

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
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.
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...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Inhibitors of Bacterial DNA Synthesis01:28

Inhibitors of Bacterial DNA Synthesis

Bacterial pathogens depend on precise and efficient DNA replication to sustain infection. Two type II topoisomerases—DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV—are critical to this process, as they resolve DNA supercoiling and unlink chromosomes during replication. Fluoroquinolones, synthetic derivatives of quinolones, exploit this mechanism by stabilizing the transient DNA–enzyme cleavage complex, preventing strand religation, and causing lethal double-strand breaks. These antibiotics are selectively...
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...