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Haemophilus influenzae meningitis in adults
British Medical Journal
|June 1, 1974
Summary
Adults rarely develop Haemophilus influenzae meningitis, but four of eight cases at St. Thomas's Hospital were adults. Identification of this bacterial meningitis cause proved difficult in Gram-stained cerebrospinal fluid samples.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Haemophilus influenzae meningitis is a common childhood illness.
- This condition is infrequently observed in adult populations.
- Recent data indicates a higher prevalence in adults than previously understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on cases of adult Haemophilus influenzae meningitis.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges associated with this infection in adults.
- To assess the occurrence of predisposing factors in affected adult patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of patients diagnosed with H. influenzae meningitis.
- Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Gram-stained films for organism identification.
- Clinical data review for predisposing conditions.
Main Results:
- Eight cases of H. influenzae meningitis were identified over four years.
- Four of these cases (50%) occurred in patients over 20 years old.
- Difficulties in identifying the organism were noted in Gram stains of CSF from all cases.
Conclusions:
- Haemophilus influenzae meningitis can occur in adults, challenging its perception as solely a pediatric disease.
- Diagnostic challenges exist in identifying H. influenzae in Gram-stained CSF.
- Further investigation into adult H. influenzae meningitis epidemiology and diagnostics is warranted.