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Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model
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Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model

Published on: July 1, 2018

Treatment of acute bacterial meningitis with special emphasis on beta-lactam antibiotics

C O Solberg, B Haneberg

    Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases. Supplementum
    |January 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Effective management of acute bacterial meningitis requires prompt antibiotic treatment and managing complications. Newer cephalosporins like cefuroxime and ceftriaxone show promise as alternatives to traditional therapies, especially for resistant strains.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Microbiology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Acute bacterial meningitis remains a significant therapeutic challenge.
    • Management necessitates early, high-dose bactericidal antibiotics and prompt treatment of complications.
    • Increasing prevalence of beta-lactamase-producing strains complicates treatment choices.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review current therapeutic strategies for acute bacterial meningitis.
    • To evaluate the role of newer cephalosporins as alternatives to established antibiotic regimens.
    • To assess the efficacy of newer agents against specific bacterial pathogens and patient populations.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of studies on bacterial meningitis treatment.
    • Analysis of antibiotic efficacy against Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Gram-negative bacilli.
    • Evaluation of treatment outcomes in different age groups, including neonates and the elderly.

    Main Results:

    • Benzylpenicillin is recommended for Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae; chloramphenicol is a substitute.
    • Cefuroxime and ceftriaxone are emerging alternatives to chloramphenicol.
    • Newer cephalosporins (cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, moxalactam, cefotaxime) show efficacy against H. influenzae and Gram-negative enteric bacilli, including in neonates and the elderly.

    Conclusions:

    • Newer cephalosporins offer promising alternatives for treating acute bacterial meningitis, particularly in cases involving resistant organisms.
    • Further extensive studies are required to fully establish the role of these agents in clinical practice.
    • Optimal management hinges on early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic selection, and comprehensive supportive care.

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