Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Cefotaxime in the treatment of meningitis

C E Cherubin, J LeFrock

    Infection
    |January 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Cefotaxime demonstrated an 85% cure rate for bacterial meningitis, though some gram-negative infections showed resistance. Real-world antibiotic use may differ from clinical trials, necessitating post-investigatory surveillance.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Pharmacology
    • Clinical Microbiology

    Background:

    • Bacterial meningitis remains a significant global health concern.
    • Cefotaxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic used for bacterial meningitis treatment.
    • Existing data on cefotaxime efficacy in bacterial meningitis is primarily from clinical trials.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To retrospectively analyze the efficacy and outcomes of cefotaxime in treating bacterial meningitis in a real-world clinical setting.
    • To compare clinical outcomes with data from prior investigative trials.
    • To identify specific bacterial species or resistance patterns impacting treatment success.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective review of 62 bacteriologically confirmed bacterial meningitis cases treated with cefotaxime.
    • Data collected from infectious disease consultants.
    • Analysis of causative organisms, treatment outcomes, and survival rates.

    Main Results:

    • Overall bacteriologic cure and survival rates were approximately 85%.
    • Successful treatment was observed in penicillin-allergic patients with pneumococcal meningitis and in staphylococcal meningitis.
    • Treatment failures occurred in Pseudomonas and Enterobacter meningitis; however, cefotaxime successfully treated two cases of Escherichia coli meningitis that failed moxalactam.

    Conclusions:

    • Cefotaxime exhibits significant efficacy in treating bacterial meningitis, but not all gram-negative species are susceptible.
    • Real-world antibiotic performance can deviate from clinical trial predictions.
    • Post-investigatory surveillance of newly introduced antibiotics is crucial for understanding their true clinical utility.

    More Related Videos

    Quadruple-Checkerboard: A Modification of the Three-Dimensional Checkerboard for Studying Drug Combinations11:15

    Quadruple-Checkerboard: A Modification of the Three-Dimensional Checkerboard for Studying Drug Combinations

    Published on: July 24, 2021

    Assay Development for High-Throughput Drug Screening Against Mycobacteria07:50

    Assay Development for High-Throughput Drug Screening Against Mycobacteria

    Published on: October 25, 2024

    Related Concept Videos

    Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

    Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

    Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
    Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

    Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

    Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
    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...
    Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

    Cryptococcal Meningitis

    Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
    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...