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Published on: June 11, 2011
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Bacterial meningitis in patients with HIV: A population-based prospective study
Kiril E B van Veen1, Matthijs C Brouwer2, Arie van der Ende3
1Department of Neurology, Center of Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Medical Center Haaglanden, The Hague, The Netherlands.
The Journal of Infection
|January 18, 2016
Summary
HIV-infected adults face an 8.3-fold higher risk of bacterial meningitis, even with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). However, the clinical presentation and outcomes are similar to those without HIV.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Community-acquired bacterial meningitis (CABM) is a serious infection.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a known risk factor for various infections.
- Understanding the specific risks and outcomes of CABM in HIV-infected individuals is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence, disease course, and prognosis of CABM in HIV-infected adults in the Netherlands.
- To compare the incidence of CABM in HIV-infected individuals versus the general population.
- To assess if HIV status influences the clinical presentation and outcomes of CABM.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide, prospective cohort study was conducted.
- Included patients were over 16 years old diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.
- Data collected included patient history, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcomes, with additional retrospective data for HIV-positive patients.
Main Results:
- 1354 episodes of CABM were included; 13 patients (1.0%) were HIV-infected.
- The annual incidence of CABM was 8.3-fold higher in HIV-infected patients compared to the general population.
- Clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, causative organisms, and outcomes were comparable between HIV-infected and HIV-negative patients.
Conclusions:
- HIV-infected adults in the Netherlands have a significantly higher risk of bacterial meningitis despite combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).
- The clinical presentation and prognosis of acute bacterial meningitis are similar in patients with and without HIV infection.
