Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
10:03
Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
Published on: November 5, 2019
Prognostic indicators in bacterial meningitis: a case-control study
Maria de Fátima Magalhães Acioly Mendizabal1, Phelipe Cunha Bezerra, Diego Lins Guedes
1Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz, Universidade de Pernambuco (UPE), Recife, PE, Brazil.
Summary
Identifying bacterial meningitis prognostic indicators like dyspnea and altered mental state can guide early intensive care for high-risk patients, improving outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis poses a significant mortality risk.
- Early identification of prognostic indicators is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify clinical and laboratory prognostic indicators of death in bacterial meningitis patients.
- To inform early management strategies for high-risk individuals.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study involving 294 bacterial meningitis patients.
- Analysis of biological, clinical, and laboratory variables.
- Development of clinical and laboratory prognostic models adjusted for age.
Main Results:
- Clinical indicators of death included dyspnea, shock, altered mental state, absence of headache/vomiting, and age ≥40.
- Laboratory indicators included positive blood cultures and thrombocytopenia.
- These indicators can predict mortality risk upon admission.
Conclusions:
- Early identification of prognostic factors aids in stratifying patients by mortality risk.
- Prompt implementation of intensive care for high-risk patients can improve survival rates.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Bacterial 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...
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following: