Early diagnosis of meningitis due to haemophilus influenzae type b in children under 5 years of age

ABSTRACT

Clinical characteristics and cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities in 100 cases of confirmed B type of H.influenzae (Hib) meningititis were analysed in comparing with 105 cases of meningitis caused by other bacterial pathogens. The basic criteria for early diagnosis of Hib meningitis in under five year old children were found out. Results showed that 48.8% of cases of meningititis were due to Hib; 96% of CSF samples due to Hib had physiological change in comparing with 72.4% in meningitis due to other bacterial pathogens, in 92% there were clinical manifestations and biochemical/cytological typical changes in CSF, in 100% of cases of Hib meningitis(+), there were typical changes; 51% of cases there were positive blood culture and 47% there were Hib positive CSF and blood culture concurrently