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Investigating the types of microorganisms causing cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection in King Abdullah University

Sulieman Daoud1, Atef Hulliel2, Sultan Jarrar1

  • 1Neurosurgery Department, Irbid, Jordan.

Qatar Medical Journal
|May 15, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt infections are common, especially in children. Acinetobacter baumannii is the leading cause, posing treatment challenges and necessitating further research.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) treat hydrocephalus by draining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
  • Shunt infections are a significant complication, with rates from 7.2-18%, often caused by Staphylococcus species.
  • Risk factors include young age, CSF leakage, prolonged surgery, and prior infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of CSF shunt infections at King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH).
  • To assess infection rates in pediatric versus adult patients.
  • To identify the microorganisms responsible for shunt infections.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of patients with CSF shunt infections at KAUH from 2005-2023.
  • Collection of patient demographics, laboratory results, and causative microorganisms.
  • Analysis of infection rates and causative agents in pediatric and adult populations.

Main Results:

  • 10.1% of 579 patients developed shunt infections, predominantly in children (83.1%) with a median age of 9 months.
  • Acinetobacter baumannii (47.5%) and Staphylococcus species (40.7%) were the most common pathogens.
  • Recurrent infections were significantly higher in pediatric patients (p=0.00007), with a notable association between age and Acinetobacter baumannii (p=0.008).

Conclusions:

  • Acinetobacter baumannii is the most frequent cause of VPS infections at KAUH.
  • Treatment of these infections presents challenges.
  • Further comparative research on treatment strategies is needed.
Keywords:
Acinetobacter baumanniiVentriculoperitoneal shuntcoagulase-negative staphylococci

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