Bacterial meningitis

Abstract

Between aprl13, 1984 and march 31, 1986, 95  children with acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) were admitted to Hospital lnfantil, Medellín, Colombia. 68 (71.6%) were under two years old. Haemophifus influenza type B was the predominant microorganism (41%), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (27.4%), enterobacteriaceae (15.8%), Neisseria meningitidis (4.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (3.2%) and betahemolytlc streptococci (2.1%). One case produced by Streptococcus agalactiae was the first one in our Hospital and another one due to Shigella was the first one in Colombia. Bacterial origin was confirmed in 93.7% of the cases, employing direct examination, cultures and counter immuno electrophoresis. The most frequent clinical manifestations were: fever, vomit, irritability, meningeai irritation and seizures; the younger the patient the most severe the clinical picture. Those with persistent focal seizures showed cerebral infarction, subdural effusion, ventricular dilatation or a combination of them. Mortality was 19%; sequelae were observed in 26% (seizure, motor deficit and deafness); Haemophilus influenzae resistance to ampicilin was observed for the first time in this institution. We suggest modifications in the initial therapeutic approach and recommend the suppression of the routine pre-discharge lumbar puncture.