Bacterial Meningitis Among Adult Patients at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospital

Abstract

Background Bacterial meningitis is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The most frequent causes of bacterial meningitis are Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes , and Haemophilus influenzae . This study aimed to determine bacterial meningitis and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns among adult patients. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on records of 3,683 patients to determine bacterial meningitis and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns from 2011 to 2020. Cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected, inoculated on blood and chocolate agar plates, and then incubated at 37°c for 24 hours. Bacterial identification performed using morphological characters, Gram stain, and biochemical tests. And then antimicrobial susceptibility tests were done using modified Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion technique. Records of 3,683 culture results were collected and reviewed using a checklist from the registration book. Finally, data was entered, cleared, and checked using Epi-info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Results Of the 3,683 patients, the overall prevalence of culture-positive bacterial meningitis was 1.28% (47/3683). Of them, bacterial meningitis in males was 1.61% (33/2052). Streptococcus pneumoniae (32%, 15/47) was the commonest isolate followed by Staphylococcus aureus , (12.80%, 6/47), Escherichia coli , (12.80%, 6/47), and Neisseria meningitidis , (10.60%, 5/47). Out of 47 culture-positive isolates, 15 of them were MDR isolates. Ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, clindamycin, and erythromycin were the most effective antibiotics whereas penicillin, tetracycline, and cotrimoxazole were the least effective antibiotics for isolates. Gender (P = 0.047, AOR = 0.528, CI = 0.282–0.99) is significantly associated with bacterial meningitis. Conclusion The prevalence of bacterial meningitis among adult patients was 1.28%. Males are at high risk for bacterial meningitis compared to females. Therefore, infection preventive measures are required with a particular focus on adult patients. Further research is needed to explore the epidemiology and risk factors of bacterial meningitis.

Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Bacterial Meningitis Among Patients in Quetta, Pakistan

“…In a recent study, Tigabu and coworkers reported high resistance (66.80%) in S. aureus against erythromycin and amoxicillin among adult BM patients in Gondar. 42 Another study conducted by Assegu Fenta and his group declared that high resistance of S. aureus was reported against amoxicillin (100%). 43 The high resistance occurs due to exposure of broad range of antibiotics, self-medication, and incomplete dosage of antibiotics, leading S. aureus to develop new cellular processes to evade effects of drugs.…”

“…While Tigabu and group reported 100% susceptibility of N. meningitidis isolates against amoxicillin and erythromycin. 42 The variation in antibiotic susceptibility trend among isolates might be due to late diagnostic tests and misuse of antibiotics. Hence, the increasing antibiotic resistance among various pathogens is a serious health problem.…”

A Retrospective Study of Rare Listeria Meningoencephalitis in Immunocompetent Children in China

“…However, the cases were probably misdiagnosed because of non-specific clinical presentation, physician behaviors, limited diagnostic capacity of the laboratory, and lack of surveillance for listeriosis. Studies have shown that blood or CSF cultures were often negative in these circumstances ( 10 , 11 , 23 , 24 ).…”

Effect of Educational Instruction Program on Nurses' Knowledge and Practices Regarding Care of Patients with Meningitis

“…Bacteria and viruses are the most common causes of meningitis, but bacterial meningitis is usually severe and common. Accurate and timely identification of the etiological agents is vital to initiate public health measures and appropriate management (Tigabu et al, 2021).…”