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A bacteriological study of purulent meningitis in children

M Williamson1, P K Murti

  • 1Department of Microbiology, T.N. Medical College, Bombay.

Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|April 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial meningitis incidence in children increased at a Bombay hospital. Gram-negative bacilli predominated, with a rise in Neisseria meningitidis and multidrug-resistant Salmonella species.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Meningitis is a serious infection affecting children.
  • Surveillance of causative agents is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the trends and etiological agents of childhood meningitis.
  • To identify the prevalence of specific bacteria, including drug-resistant strains.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 270 purulent samples from children with meningitis.
  • Bacteriological culture and identification of isolated microorganisms.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for significant isolates.

Main Results:

  • Overall culture positivity rate was 22.22%.
  • Neisseria meningitidis incidence increased significantly from 1985 to 1987.
  • Gram-negative bacilli were the most common isolates (57%), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (15%) and Staphylococcus aureus (6%).
  • Salmonella species (10%) were multidrug-resistant, including rare zoonotic types.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood bacterial meningitis shows an increasing trend, driven by specific pathogens.
  • The rise in Neisseria meningitidis and the presence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli, including Salmonella, pose significant public health challenges.
  • Effective antimicrobial stewardship and epidemiological surveillance are essential.

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