[Bacterial meningitis in neonates. Retrospective study 1977-1991]

In 1977-1991 at the Paediatric Clinic in Hradec Králové 43 neonates with bacterial meningitis (BM) were hospitalized. In 31 (72%) risk factors for the development of perinatal infection were detected. The aetiological agent was proved in 40 neonates, most frequently E. coli (46.5%), Streptococcus agalactiae (16.2%), Proteus (11.6%). In the second half of the investigation period (1984-1991) there was a significantly higher ratio of G+ microorganisms, in particular Streptococcus agalactiae. In three neonates the diagnosis of BM was based on a positive cytological finding in cerebrospinal fluid. The total lethality was 60.4%. The lethality was not significantly influenced by early diagnosis and treatment (within 48 hours), correct selection of antibiotic before knowing the cultivation finding and sensitivity. The total incidence of BM during the investigation period in the Faculty Hospital in Hradec Králové was 0.51/1000, in mature neonates 0.36/1000 and 1.8/1000 in neonates with a low birth weight.