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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
11:17

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses

Published on: August 30, 2018

[Antibiotic management of pediatric presumptive bacterial meningitis (rational, methods, course, and follow-up)]

Hervé Haas1

  • 1Service d'urgences pédiatriques, hôpital Archet 2, CHU de Nice, 151, route de Saint-Antoine-de-Ginestière, 06202 Nice cedex 03, France. haas.h@chu-nice.fr

Medecine Et Maladies Infectieuses
|April 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Vaccinations have changed childhood bacterial meningitis epidemiology. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis remain common, guiding initial antibiotic choices like cefotaxime or ceftriaxone.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Epidemiology of bacterial meningitis
  • Vaccinology

Context:

  • Bacterial meningitis epidemiology in industrialized nations has shifted due to widespread vaccination programs.
  • Key pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) and Neisseria meningitidis (Nm), particularly group B.
  • Vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae b, SP, and certain Nm groups has significantly altered disease patterns.

Purpose:

  • To review the current epidemiological landscape of acute community-acquired bacterial meningitis in children.
  • To discuss the implications of vaccination on pathogen prevalence and antibiotic treatment strategies.
  • To highlight the importance of empirical antibiotic selection based on likely causative agents.

Summary:

  • Vaccination has reduced the incidence of bacterial meningitis caused by specific serotypes, notably Haemophilus influenzae b.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis remain significant etiological agents, with group B being common.
  • First-line antibiotic treatment often involves cefotaxime or ceftriaxone, with vancomycin added based on suspected pneumococcal resistance.

Impact:

  • Informed clinical practice regarding empirical antibiotic therapy for bacterial meningitis.
  • Provided insights into the evolving role of vaccines in controlling pediatric infectious diseases.
  • Emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and adaptation of treatment guidelines for bacterial meningitis.

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