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Updated: Sep 13, 2025
Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat
Published on: October 29, 2014
Causative pathogens and predictors of unfavourable outcomes in central nervous system infections in resource-limited
Do Van Dong1, Vu Viet Sang2, Nghiem Xuan Hoan2
1Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, and German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Tübingen, Germany; 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam; Vietnamese German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam.
Objectives:
This study investigated the impact of causative pathogens on the outcomes of central nervous system (CNS) infections and assessed clinical parameters to identify patients at risk for unfavourable outcomes.
Methods:
Patients with suspected CNS infections underwent blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and advanced molecular testing, including real-time PCR assays for bacterial and viral pathogens. Patients were classified into clinical categories and their outcomes assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale.
Results:
Pathogens were identified in 24% (80/330) of patients, with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii being the most common. Mortality was 10%, with fungal meningitis and dual infections having the highest rates. Unfavourable outcomes were observed in 57% of patients. The most common pathogens associated with unfavourable outcomes were M. tuberculosis followed by K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, and HSV-1. Multivariate analysis identified community-onset infection as a protective factor, while a longer duration of illness before admission (≥5 days) and altered mental status on admission were significant predictors for unfavourable outcomes. Furthermore, the timely administration of appropriate empirical therapy was significantly associated with a reduced risk of mortality.
Conclusions:
CNS infections in northern Vietnam have diverse causes and overlapping clinical features, complicating diagnosis and management.
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