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Bacterial meningitis in childhood: a 13 year review
K P Dawson1, G D Abbott, N Mogridge
1Department of Paediatrics, Christchurch School of Medicine, Christchurch Hospital.
Abstract:
One hundred and forty-five episodes of acute bacterial meningitis in children seen over a 13 year period are reviewed. The mortality rate was 1.4%. Over the study period H influenzae type b remained as the dominant causative organism, with 11% of the isolates being beta-lactamase positive. The difficulties in diagnosis in children, the sequelae of sensorineural deafness and continued morbidity in this disorder are stressed.
Insights
Acute bacterial meningitis in children has a low mortality rate of 1.4%. Haemophilus influenzae type b remains the primary cause, with some strains showing resistance to beta-lactamase antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acute bacterial meningitis remains a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric meningitis cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review 145 episodes of acute bacterial meningitis in children over 13 years.
- To identify the dominant causative organisms and their antibiotic resistance patterns.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and long-term sequelae.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric acute bacterial meningitis cases.
- Analysis of causative bacterial isolates and their antimicrobial susceptibility.
- Assessment of mortality rates and neurological sequelae.
Main Results:
- The overall mortality rate was 1.4% across 145 reviewed episodes.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b was the predominant pathogen identified.
- Eleven percent of H. influenzae type b isolates exhibited beta-lactamase positivity, indicating antibiotic resistance.
Conclusions:
- Despite a low mortality rate, acute bacterial meningitis presents diagnostic challenges in children.
- Sensorineural deafness and ongoing morbidity are significant sequelae.
- Continued surveillance of causative organisms and resistance patterns is essential.