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Brain abscess incidence and microbial etiology in Turkey: a nationwide cross-sectional study
1Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Science University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey. serhat.korkmaz@afsu.edu.tr.
Objective:
Brain abscess, a localized purulent central nervous system infection, arises from a variety of microorganisms. Expedited diagnosis and formulation of effective treatment strategies are crucial for mitigating mortality risks in patients with brain abscesses. A nuanced understanding of potential microbial agents is pivotal for the development of empirical antibiotic therapies. This study aimed to explore the incidence and microbial etiology of brain abscesses.
Patients And Methods:
This study is a nationwide cross-sectional analysis of patients diagnosed with brain abscesses in Turkey, employing the ICD 10 diagnosis code from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2021. Data pertaining to age, sex, comorbidities, and microorganisms isolated from central nervous system samples were meticulously recorded and analyzed.
Results:
This study included 11,536 patients diagnosed with brain abscesses. The incidence fluctuated between 0.98 and 3.68 during the review decrease post-2017, with a notable increase in male patients during time. Diabetes constituted 56.5% of the patients. The predominant isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus (37.6%), Streptococci (13.3%), and Klebsiella spp. (7.8%), Escherichia coli (6.4%), and Candida species (6.1%).
Conclusions:
The incidence of brain abscesses is decreasing in Turkey. Although staphylococci remain the most isolated agents, the frequent occurrence of Gram-negative bacteria and Candida species warrants consideration during empirical antibiotic selection.
Insights
Brain abscess incidence is declining in Turkey, with Staphylococcus remaining a common cause. However, Gram-negative bacteria and Candida species are increasingly prevalent, impacting empirical antibiotic choices.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Brain abscesses are serious central nervous system infections requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Understanding causative microorganisms is vital for effective empirical antibiotic therapy.
- This study investigates the epidemiological trends and microbial landscape of brain abscesses in Turkey.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and trends of brain abscesses in Turkey.
- To identify the common microbial pathogens responsible for brain abscesses.
- To inform empirical antibiotic strategies based on current etiological data.
Main Methods:
- Nationwide cross-sectional study using ICD-10 codes for brain abscess diagnosis in Turkey (2015-2021).
- Analysis of patient demographics, comorbidities (especially diabetes), and isolated microorganisms from central nervous system samples.
- Statistical analysis of incidence rates and pathogen distribution.
Main Results:
- 11,536 brain abscess cases were identified, with incidence decreasing post-2017.
- Diabetes was a significant comorbidity, present in 56.5% of patients.
- Predominant pathogens included Staphylococcus (37.6%), Streptococci (13.3%), Klebsiella spp. (7.8%), Escherichia coli (6.4%), and Candida spp. (6.1%).
Conclusions:
- Brain abscess incidence shows a downward trend in Turkey.
- Staphylococcus is the most frequent pathogen, but Gram-negative bacteria and Candida species are notably common.
- Empirical antibiotic selection for brain abscesses should account for the rising prevalence of these diverse pathogens.
