Pyogenic meningitis in children

ABSTRACT

I order to identify aetiological agents of pyogenic meningitis in children, admitted to the Department of Paediatrics, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, a prospective study from October 93 to March 94 in 1609 cases was carried out. Of these, 26 [1.6%] were diagnosed as pyogenic meningitis. The causative micro-organisms were identified by Gram smear or culture in 16 of 26 [61.5%] children. Those identified were Streptococcus pneumonia [5=31], Staphylococcus aureus [4=25%], Neisseria meningitides [2=12%], Escherichia coli [1=6%] and others [4=26%] In 10 of the 26 [38%] children, causative pathogens could not be identified, although the clinical rataon, signs and cerebrospinal fluid findings were compatible with the diagnosis of pyogenic meningitis. mr R2 percent of the patients had a history of antibiotic treatment prior to the admission in the hospital