Publication:

Bacteriological profile of acute bacterial meningitis at a tertiary care hospital of North India

Background Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is one of the most severe and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. It is defined as an inflammation of the meanings, globally distributed as either sporadic or epidemic forms. ABM remains a major cause of mortality and long-term neurological sequel worldwide. Objective of the present study was undertaken to evaluate the bacteriological analysis in term of pathogens frequency and their sensitivity pattern in the cerebrospinal fluid of acute meningitis patients at a tertiary care hospital in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India.

Methods The study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital from June 2014 to November 2015 irrespective of age group. A total of 3803 samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from clinically suspected cases of meningitis were subjected for bacteriological analysis.

Results During the study period, a total of 3803 CSF samples were studied. Out of these, 343 were confirmed as bacterial meningitis based on Gram staining and or culture showing 9.01% incidence. ABM was more common in paediatric patients than adults. The most common organisms were Gram positive (66.18%) bacteria.

Conclusions Acute bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and making an early diagnosis and providing early and accurate treatment, are lifesaving and to reduce morbidity. This study may play an important role in the diagnosis and more accurate treatment for the ABM patients.