Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 24, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Artificial ventilation and prognostic factors in bacterial meningitis

N Rasmussen1, B Hansen, V Bohr

  • 1University Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen.

Infection
|May 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Increased use of artificial ventilation in bacterial meningitis patients significantly reduced fatality rates by 50%. While neurological sequelae rates remained similar, respirator treatment shows improved prognosis for this serious infection.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis presents significant mortality and morbidity risks.
  • Artificial ventilation use in bacterial meningitis care has evolved over time.
  • Understanding the impact of interventions on patient outcomes is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of increased artificial ventilation use on bacterial meningitis outcomes.
  • To analyze changes in fatality rates and neurological sequelae.
  • To assess the prognostic value of respirator treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of patient data from two distinct time periods (1966-1968 vs. 1975-1976).
  • Application of a linear logistic model to adjust for prognostic factors (age, consciousness, admission mode, etiology).
  • Statistical analysis of fatality rates and neurological sequelae incidence.

Main Results:

  • Artificial ventilation use rose from 8.0% to 31.5% between the study periods.
  • A significant 50% reduction in fatality rate was observed (p=0.05) after adjusting for covariates.
  • The corrected rate of neurological sequelae showed no significant difference between the periods.

Conclusions:

  • Increased utilization of respirator treatment is associated with improved survival in bacterial meningitis.
  • Artificial ventilation may be a key factor in enhancing the prognosis of bacterial meningitis patients.
  • Further research into optimal ventilation strategies for bacterial meningitis is warranted.

More Related Videos

Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia04:32

Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia

Published on: June 28, 2018

3D Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Respiratory Motion in Mechanically Ventilated Mice and Rats08:22

3D Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Respiratory Motion in Mechanically Ventilated Mice and Rats

Published on: September 19, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings01:29

Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings

Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving technique for managing acute respiratory failure and other respiratory complications. The process involves using a machine known as a ventilator to supply oxygen to the lungs and assist in removing carbon dioxide. It serves as a bridge to long-term mechanical ventilation or a temporary measure until ventilatory support is discontinued. The ventilator can maintain this function for a prolonged period, providing critical support for patients until they can...
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation01:23

Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation

Ventilators are essential medical equipment used to aid patients with respiratory difficulties. Their primary function is to assist or replace spontaneous breathing by providing mechanical ventilation. There are two general classes of mechanical ventilators: negative-pressure and positive-pressure ventilators.
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral 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...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial 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...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial 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...