Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 12, 2026

Total Protein Extraction and 2-D Gel Electrophoresis Methods for Burkholderia Species
08:31

Total Protein Extraction and 2-D Gel Electrophoresis Methods for Burkholderia Species

Published on: October 16, 2013

The aetiology of purulent meningitis in highland children: a bacteriological study

M Gratten, J Barker, F Shann

    Papua and New Guinea Medical Journal
    |December 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Purulent meningitis in children is primarily caused by Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae, especially in infants. Vaccines targeting these bacteria are urgently needed for young children to reduce mortality.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Microbiology

    Background:

    • Meningitis is a serious infection affecting children, particularly infants.
    • Identifying causative pathogens is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze the etiological agents of purulent meningitis in highlands children.
    • To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of common bacterial isolates.
    • To assess the mortality rates associated with different pathogens and age groups.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective analysis of culture-positive meningitis cases from March 1980 to September 1984.
    • Identification of bacterial pathogens and serotyping of isolates.
    • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for key antibiotics.

    Main Results:

    • Haemophilus influenzae (predominantly serotype b) and Streptococcus pneumoniae were the most common pathogens (92%).
    • 22% of S. pneumoniae isolates showed benzylpenicillin resistance.
    • The overall case fatality rate was 37%, with higher mortality in infants and pneumococcal meningitis cases.

    Conclusions:

    • Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae are the leading causes of bacterial meningitis in this pediatric population.
    • The prevalence of antibiotic resistance and high mortality underscore the need for effective vaccines.
    • Vaccination strategies should prioritize young children to reduce the burden of meningitis.

    More Related Videos

    An Experimental Model to Study Tuberculosis-Malaria Coinfection upon Natural Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Plasmodium berghei09:02

    An Experimental Model to Study Tuberculosis-Malaria Coinfection upon Natural Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Plasmodium berghei

    Published on: February 18, 2014

    Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery10:03

    Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

    Published on: November 5, 2019

    Related Concept Videos

    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...
    Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

    Brain Abscess l: Introduction

    A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...