New findings in bacterial meningitis epidemiology described from University Hospital
2008 FEB 12 -- New investigation results, 'Community-acquired bacterial meningitis in cirrhotic patients,' are detailed in a study published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection. "The Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge (Barcelona, Spain) records all cases of bacterial meningitis in a 120-variable database. The characteristics of bacterial meningitis in cirrhotic patients are not well-known, and all cases of community-acquired bacterial meningitis occurring in cirrhotic patients were therefore identified," researchers in Barcelona, Spain report. "During 1977-2002, there were 602 episodes of community-acquired bacterial meningitis in adults, of which 29 (4.8%) occurred in cirrhotic patients. Compared to non-cirrhotic patients, there were significant differences in: duration of disease for >4 days at the time of diagnosis; absence of nuchal rigidity; certain aetiologies, e.g., Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes; renal and liver function impairment; relapse of fever; and incidence of relapse and mortality. Overall, bacterial meningitis in cirrhotic patients was associated with a high mortality rate and a large number of complications. A high index of suspicion is necessary because of the frequent absence of meningeal signs," wrote C. Cabellos and colleagues, University Hospital. The researchers concluded: "In addition to the classic meningeal pathogens, other aetiologies, including E. coli and L. monocytogenes, should be considered when prescribing empirical therapy." Cabellos and colleagues published their study in Clinical Microbiology and Infection (Community-acquired bacterial meningitis in cirrhotic patients. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2008;14(1):35-40). For additional information, contact C. Cabellos, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Infectious Diseases Service, IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain. Publisher contact information for the journal Clinical Microbiology and Infection is: Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DG, Oxon, England. Keywords: Spain, Barcelona, Bacterial Meningitis Epidemiology, Bacterial Meningitis, Central Nervous System Disease, Clinical Microbiology, Community-Acquired, Epidemiology, Infectious Disease. This article was prepared by World Disease Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, World Disease Weekly via NewsRx.com.
|
