Haemophilus influenzae meningitis in school-aged children
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Abstract:
The relative frequency of meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae in school-age children was determined by reviewing etiologic diagnoses in children 6 to 15 years old admitted to four hospitals from 1974 to 1978. Sixty-five (45%) of 145 patients had aseptic meningitis and 29 (20%) had bacterial meningitis. Thirty-two (22%) of the patients had received antibiotic therapy before diagnosis, and 19 (13%) could not be classified. Six (21%) of the 29 patients with bacterial meningitis had H influenzae meningitis. Although aseptic disease was the most common type of meningitis, initial antibiotic therapy for presumed bacterial meningitis in school-aged children should include adequate coverage for H influenzae.
Insights
Haemophilus influenzae meningitis was present in 21% of bacterial meningitis cases in school-aged children. Initial antibiotic treatment for suspected bacterial meningitis should cover this pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Meningitis is a significant cause of illness in children.
- Determining the causative agents of meningitis is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relative frequency of Haemophilus influenzae meningitis in school-aged children.
- To inform antibiotic treatment guidelines for suspected bacterial meningitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of etiologic diagnoses.
- Analysis of meningitis cases in children aged 6 to 15 years.
- Data collected from four hospitals between 1974 and 1978.
Main Results:
- Aseptic meningitis was the most common form (45%).
- Bacterial meningitis accounted for 20% of cases.
- Haemophilus influenzae was identified in 21% of bacterial meningitis cases.
Conclusions:
- Despite aseptic meningitis being more common, Haemophilus influenzae remains a key pathogen in bacterial meningitis.
- Empirical antibiotic therapy for suspected bacterial meningitis in school-aged children must include coverage for H. influenzae.