Neurological and Bacteriological assessment of suspected meningitis cases at Suez Canal University Hospital

Abstract

Acute Bacterial Meningitis (ABM) are a potent cause of morbidity and mortality in all age groups, with long-term neurological disability. Objective: to determine the neurological events and bacterial pathogens, isolated from cerebrospinal fluids of suspected bacterial meningitis cases. Methods: Descriptive study included 181 cerebrospinal fluid from suspected ABM cases, aged from 13 to 26 years old, Biochemical, hematological tests, and bacteriological culture were done. Results: The most cerebrovascular symptoms were ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt (13.3%), convulsions (10.5%) then brain edema (8.3%), commonest CSF bacterial pathogens were Streptococcus species, E.coli and N. Meningitidis. The susceptibility pattern for isolated bacteria to Meropenam, Levofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Rifampicin and Ampicillin were 95%, 85%, 82.5%, 75% and 70%, respectively.Conclusion: Gram negative bacteria show highest susceptibility to Aztroenam and highest susceptibility to Erythromycin for Streptococcus spp. Ampicillins and cephalosporins are still active in the treatment of ABM.