Bacterial Meningitis in an Urban Area: Etiologic Study and Prognostic Factors

Abstract Objectives: The study of clinical features, diagnostic methods and prognostic factors of bacterial meningitis, in an urban area. Patients and Methods: All patients admitted between June 2001 and July 2004 in the emergency departments of a few hospitals, with the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis were included. CSF and blood cultures were performed in every case. Phenotypic characterization of strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis identified by culture were performed. In order to detect the three most common agents it was done a PCR assay in culture negative CSF samples. Results: Bacterial meningitis was diagnosed in 201 patients. Etiologic definition was based on culture in 142 patients (70.6%), done by CSF PCR assay in 33 (16.4%) other patients and exclusively by latex agglutination test results in two cases. Thus, an etiologic diagnosis was established in 177 (88%) cases. Antigenic characterization showed a slight prevalence of N. meningitidis phenotype C:2b:P1; the S. pneumoniae serotype characterization showed that 43.8% of identified serotypes are not included in any of the available vaccines. Eighteen patients died (8.9%). The statistic analysis found that factors associated with an adverse outcome were age older than 50 years (OR 7.07; IC 95% 1.1–27.4), the presence of comorbidities (OR 3.3; IC 95% 1.1–9.6) and the occurrence of systemic complications (OR 5.8; IC 95% 2.1–16.0). Conclusions: This epidemiologic pattern is similar to that found in other countries after the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae b conjugated vaccine. The association of culture and noncultural methods of diagnosis had a better performance in defining the etiology. Comparing to other series, in-patients mortality rate was lower (8.9%) than usually referred to, being considered unfavourable prognostic factors the age more than 50 years, the presence of comorbidities and of systemic complications.     

Cerebrospinal fluid penetration of cefmenoxime in children with bacterial meningitis

Summary Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of cefmenoxime were determined either microbiologically or by means of HPLC in 20 children with proven or suspected bacterial meningitis. Sixteen children suffered from bacterial meningitis: causative organisms wereHaemophilus influenzae type b (n=10),Streptococcus pneumoniae (n=4) andNeisseria meningitidis (n=2). In these patients the cefmenoxime concentration in the CSF ranged from 0.9 to 12.2 mg/l, with a mean concentration of 4.63 mg/l 1.5–3 h after the last intravenous cefmenoxime application and 24–48 h after initiating therapy with 200 mg cefmenoxime/kg/d in four doses. In eight cases the bactericidal titers of the CSF were examined during therapy. Titers between 1:64 and 1:2,048, exceeding the minimal bactericidal concentration, were found. After five doses of cefmenoxime 50 mg/kg, two CSF cultures showed bacterial growth: oneH. influenzae (bactericidal titer in CSF 1:256) and oneS. pneumoniae.

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Liquorspiegel von Cefmenoxim bei Kindern mit bakterieller Meningitis

Zusammenfassung Bei zwanzig Kindern wurden Serum- und Liquorspiegel von Cefmenoxim mittels HPLC oder aber mikroskopisch bestimmt. Sechzehn Kinder litten an bakterieller Meningitis:Haemophilus influenzae Typ b (n=10),Streptococcus pneumoniae (n=4),Neisseria meningitidis (n=2). Die Proben wurden 24–48 h nach Behandlungsbeginn (200 mg cefmenoxim/kg/die) in vier Einzeldosen 1,5–3 h nach der letzten Gabe entnommen. Die Liquorspiegel bei den Kindern mit entzündeten Meningen lagen zwischen 0,9 bis 12,2 mg/l, im Mittel 4,63 mg/l. In acht Fällen wurde die Liquorbakterizidie bestimmt. Die Titer lagen zwischen 1:64 bis 1:2048. Zwei Liquorkulturen nach fünf Dosen 50 mg/kg zeigten bakterielles Wachstum. Einmal fand sichH. influenzae (Liquorbakterizidie 1:256) und einmalS. pneumoniae.

     

Isolated Bacterial Meningitis as the Key Syndrome of Infective Endocarditis

Abstract.Background: Bacterial meningitis is an unusual first manifestation but a major complication of infective endocarditis.Patients and Methods: We present three well documented cases of isolated bacterial meningitis in endocarditis. Against this background we review the literature.Results: All patients presented with bacterial meningitis. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in blood cultures of all patients, but was found only in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of one patient. The underlying endocarditis was confirmed histologically in all three cases. Two patients recovered completely and one died.Conclusion: An extensive search for endocarditis is recommended in every case of an unusual isolate in bacterial meningitis whether it is isolated from blood or CSF.     

Hepatitis B virus infection: Mortality,morbidity and the cost to the health service in Scotland

Cerebrospinal fluid lactate (CSF) was measured by a rapid enzymatic method in 230 patients admitted with a suspected diagnosis of central nervous system infection. In all untreated cases of bacterial meningitis the levels exceeded 4·3 mmol/l and fell below 3·9 mmol/l in most patients with virus meningitis. We believe values of 3·9–4·3 mmol/l should be considered borderline as occasional CSF samples in cases of virus meningitis yield values in this range. However, distinction between untreated pyogenic meningitis and virus meningitis is rarely problematic in clinical practice, so routine use of the test as an emergency procedure offers no extra advantage. The test is unlikely to be of much help in differentiating partly treated bacterial meningitis from virus meningitis, but it is a valuable additional procedure for differentiating tuberculous meningitis from virus meningitis, highly modified bacterial meningitis and parameningeal septic states.     

D- and L-lactate in rabbit and human bacterial meningitis

Increased total CSF lactate is an important indicator differentiating bacterial from aseptic meningitis. Bacteria can produce D- and L-lactate; mammalian cells produce only L-lactate. We measured D- and L-lactate production of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria meningitidis and Escherichia coli in vitro, of S. pneumoniae and E. coli in rabbit experimental meningitis and of various common pathogens in CSF from patients with bacterial meningitis. Despite marked in vitro production of D-lactate by S. aureus (maximum: 4.59 mmol/l; i.e. 34.9% of total lactate), N. meningitidis (4.62 mmol/l; i.e. 98.1%) and E. coli (3.14 mmol/l; i.e. 97.2%), minimal amounts were measured in human S. aureus (0.38 mmol/l; i.e. 1.3% of total lactate) or N. meningitidis (0.28 mmol/l; i.e. 3.9%) and experimental E. coli meningitis (0.75 mmol/l; i.e. 4.4%). In only 9 of 54 human CSF samples did D-lactate exceed 0.15 mmol/l. S. pneumoniae did not produce significant amounts of D-lactate in vitro (maximum: 0.55 mmol/l; i.e. 2.7% of total lactate), in experimental meningitis (0.18 mmol/l; i.e. 3%) or in human cases of meningitis (0.28 mmol/l; i.e. 1.9%). In conclusion, increased total CSF lactate in meningitis consists mainly of L-lactate and originates predominantly from host cells. CSF D-lactate is of limited diagnostic value.     

Cerebrospinal Fluid Adenosine Deaminase Levels and Adverse Neurological Outcome in Pediatric Tuberculous Meningitis

AbstractBackground: There is a lack of data on the prognostic significance of changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters in tuberculous meningitis. Our objective was to determine whether changes in CSF parameters are associated with poor neurological outcome in tuberculous meningitis.Patients and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study on children admitted with a diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis to Government General Hospital in Kakinada, India. On admission, CSF parameters including cell count with fraction of lymphocytes and neutrophil leukocytes, glucose, protein, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels were measured. We compared levels in children with and without adverse neurological outcome.Results: A total of 26 children was enrolled over a 2–year period. Ten had an adverse neurological outcome. Six had permanent neurological deficits (four hemiplegia and two cranial nerve palsies), two a hydrocephalus and two died. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in age, gender and in CSF parameters, including cell count, lymphocyte and neutrophil leukocyte fraction, glucose, protein, and LDH levels between patients with and without adverse neurological outcome. Patients with adverse outcome had with a mean (SD) of 17.1 (3.2) IU/l a significantly higher ADA level than patients without, who had a mean (SD) level of 11.3 (2.7) IU/l (p < 0.001, t–test).Conclusion: Adverse neurological outcome in childhood tuberculous meningitis is associated with increased cerebrospinal fluid adenosine deaminase levels.     

Epidemiology and antibiotic resistance of bacterial meningitis in Dapaong,northern Togo

ObjectiveTo assess the seasonality of the bacterial meningitis and the antibiotic resistance of incriminated bacteria over the last three years in the northern Togo.MethodsFrom January 2007 to January 2010, 533 cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) samples were collected from patients suspected of meningitis in the Regional Hospital of Dapaong (northern Togo). After microscopic examination, samples were cultured for bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility.ResultsThe study included 533 patients (306 male and 227 female) aged from 1 day to 55 years [average age (13.00±2.07) years]. Bacterial isolation and identification were attempted for 254/533 (47.65%) samples. The bacterial species identified were: Neisseria meningitidis A (N. meningitidis A) (58.27%), Neisseria meningitidis W135 (N. meningitidis W135) (7.09%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) (26.77%), Haemophilus influenza B (H. influenza B) (6.30%) and Enterobacteriaceae (1.57%). The results indicated that bacterial meningitis occur from November to May with a peak in February for H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae and March for Neisseriaceae. The distribution of positive CSF with regards to the age showed that subjects between 6 and 12 years followed by subjects of 0 to 5 years were most affected with respective frequencies of 67.82% and 56.52% (P<0.001). Susceptibility tests revealed that bacteria have developed resistance to several antibiotics including aminosides (resistance rate >20% for both bacterial strains), macrolides (resistance rate > 30% for H. influenzae) quinolones (resistance rate >15% for H. influenzae and N. meningitidis W135). Over three years, the prevalence of S. pneumoniae significantly increased from 8.48% to 73.33% (P<0.001), while the changes in the prevalence of H. influenzae B were not statistically significant: 4.24%, vs. 8.89%, (P = 0.233).ConclusionsOur results indicate that data in African countries differ depending on geographical location in relation to the African meningitis belt. This underlines the importance of epidemiological surveillance of bacterial meningitis.     

Community-Acquired Spontaneous Bacterial Meningitis in Adult Diabetic Patients: An Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors

Background: We analyzed the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of community-acquired spontaneous bacterial meningitis (CASBM) in adult diabetic patients. Patients and Methods: Over a period of 15 years, 47 adult diabetic patients with CASBM were identified. The clinical characteristics, laboratory data and therapeutic outcome of these 47 patients were statistically analyzed. Results: The 47 patients were 31 men and 16 women, aged 22 to 79 years, and they accounted for 38.5% (47/122) of our adult patients with culture-proven CASBM. The most common causative pathogen was Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 32), followed by pathogens of the streptococcal species (n = 6). Besides classic manifestations of bacterial meningitis, bacteremia and focal suppuration, especially liver abscess, were common features in this group of patients. Liver cirrhosis and/or alcoholism were the other frequent underlying conditions. 27 patients survived in the course of therapy. The prognostic factors with statistical significance were glucose ratio and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white blood cell (WBC) count. Conclusion: This study showed the high incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) among the adult patients with CASBM in Taiwan. K. pneumoniae was the most frequent causative pathogen. Bacteremia and focal suppuration, especially liver abscess, were common findings. The values of glucose ratio and CSF WBC count had a statistically significant influence on the prognosis of our patients. Received: January 15, 2002 · Revision accepted: July 8, 2002 W. N. Chang (corresponding author)     

Predictive Value of Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid Procalcitonin Levels for the Diagnosis of Bacterial Meningitis

Background: The value of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) procalcitonin for differentiating between acute bacterial and viral meningitis was assessed and compared to other parameters which are usually used in clinical practice. Patients: 45 adult patients (20 with bacterial and 25 with tick-borne encephalitis, TBE) were included in this prospective study. Results: The median serum procalcitonin level in patients with bacterial meningitis was 6.45 ng/ml (range 0.25–43.76 ng/ml) and in the group with viral meningitis 0.27 ng/ml (range 0.05–0.44 ng/ml). 11 patients with bacterial meningitis had an elevated procalcitonin concentration not only in serum, but also in CSF. A serum procalcitonin level > 0.5 ng/ml had a positive predictive value for bacterial meningitis of 100% and a negative predictive value of 93%, while corresponding values for CSF procalcitonin were 100% and 74%, respectively. Conclusion: Serum and CSF procalcitonin concentrations > 0.5 ng/ml appear to be a reliable indicator of bacterial central nervous system (CNS) infection, with maximal positive predictive values and high negative predictive values. Received: October 23, 2000 · Revision accepted: June 1, 2001     

Formic acid, a novel metabolite of chronic ethanol abuse, causes neurotoxicity, which is prevented by folic acid

Background: Methanol is endogenously formed in the brain and is present as a congener in most alcoholic beverages. Because ethanol is preferentially metabolized over methanol (MeOH) by alcohol dehydrogenase, it is not surprising that MeOH accumulates in the alcohol‐abusing population. This suggests that the alcohol‐drinking population will have higher levels of MeOH’s neurotoxic metabolite, formic acid (FA). FA elimination is mediated by folic acid. Neurotoxicity is a common result of chronic alcoholism. This study shows for the first time that FA, found in chronic alcoholics, is neurotoxic and this toxicity can be mitigated by folic acid administration. Objective: To determine if FA levels are higher in the alcohol‐drinking population and to assess its neurotoxicity in organotypic hippocampal rat brain slice cultures. Methods: Serum and CSF FA was measured in samples from both ethanol abusing and control patients, who presented to a hospital emergency department. FA’s neurotoxicity and its reversibility by folic acid were assessed using organotypic rat brain hippocampal slice cultures using clinically relevant concentrations. Results: Serum FA levels in the alcoholics (mean ± SE: 0.416 ± 0.093 mmol/l, n = 23) were significantly higher than in controls (mean ± SE: 0.154 ± 0.009 mmol/l, n = 82) (p < 0.0002). FA was not detected in the controls’ CSF (n = 20), whereas it was >0.15 mmol/l in CSF of 3 of the 4 alcoholic cases. Low doses of FA from 1 to 5 mmol/l added for 24, 48 or 72 hours to the rat brain slice cultures caused neuronal death as measured by propidium iodide staining. When folic acid (1 μmol/l) was added with the FA, neuronal death was prevented. Conclusions: Formic acid may be a significant factor in the neurotoxicity of ethanol abuse. This neurotoxicity can be mitigated by folic acid administration at a clinically relevant dose.     

Cerebrospinal fluid nitric oxide levels in childhood bacterial meningitis

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in childhood bacterial meningitis was investigated by determining the levels of nitrate/nitrite, stable end products of NO metabolism, in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Eighteen children with bacterial meningitis and 18 as a control group were included in the study. Mean (+/- SD) CSF nitrate/nitrite levels were 27.6 +/- 26 micromol/l in the bacterial meningitis group and 3.2 +/- 1.8 micromol/l in the control group (p = 0.0005). We found no correlation between CSF nitrate/nitrite levels and CSF white blood cell count (r = 0.22), protein (r = 0.26) or tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) levels (r = 0.046), but a moderate negative correlation between CSF nitrate/nitrite and glucose levels (r = -0.46).     

Mezlocillinkonzentration im Liquor bei Virusmeningitis

Zusammenfassung Die Liquorkonzentrationen von Mezlocillin wurden bei zehn Patienten mit Virusmeningitis nach einer einmaligen halbstündigen Kurzinfusion von 5 g bestimmt. Die Liquorkonzentrationen lagen eine bzw. zwei Stunden nach Infusionsende zwischen 0,1 mcg/ml und 1,6 mcg/ml. Sie waren damit höher als die minimalen Hemmkonzentrationen fürNeisseria meningitidis undDiplococcus pneumoniae, den häufigsten Erregern der bakteriellen Meningitis im Erwachsenenalter. Ebenso wurde die minimale Hemmkonzentration Ampicillin-empfindlicher Stämme vonHaemophilus influenzae erreicht. Ob bei bakteriellen Meningitiden höhere Liquorkonzentrationen erreicht werden, soll in weiteren Untersuchungen geklärt werden.

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Concentrations of mezlocillin in cerebrospinal fluid in viral meningitis

Summary The concentrations of mezlocillin in the cerebrospinal fluid were measured in ten patients with viral meningitis after a single infusion of 5 g lasting 30 minutes. One to two hours after infusion the CSF concentrations were between 0.1 mcg/ml and 1.6 mcg/ml, and thus exceeded the minimal inhibitory concentrations ofNeisseria meningitidis andDiplococcus pneumoniae, the most common pathogens in bacterial meningitis in adults. The minimal inhibitory concentration of ampicillin-sensitive strains ofHaemophilus influenzae was also attained. Further investigations must be carried out, in order to ascertain whether higher CSF concentrations are attained in bacterial meningitis.

     

Sensorineural hearing loss in children with sickle cell anemia and its association with endothelial dysfunction

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia (SCA) and its association with endothelial dysfunction (ED).

Methods: Fifty-two participants with stable SCA and 44 apparently healthy (AA genotype) participants aged 6–18 years were evaluated for pure tone audiometry and endothelial function using ultrasonographic imaging of the brachial artery to assess flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Laboratory analysis of the lipid profile and C-reactive protein levels was performed.

Results: In the SCA group, 15 (28.8%) patients presented with SNHL. The FMD values were reduced in the SCA with SNHL group compared with the SCA without SNHL and healthy groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that FMD was associated with SNHL independent of the lipid profile and SCA characteristics (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]?=?0.614 [0.440–0.858]; p = 0.004).

Discussion: SNHL is a common complication in SCA; furthermore, this study identified a significant association between ED and SNHL. Damage to the vascular endothelium because of inflammation in SCA reduced blood flow in the inner ear. Thus, this circulatory disorder culminates in vaso-occlusive process and induces auditory disorders, such as SNHL.     

Cerebrospinal fluid endotoxin levels in children with H. influenzae meningitis before and after administration of intravenous ceftriaxone

Total, cell-free, and cell-bound endotoxin and bacterial density were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 22 children with Hemophilus influenzae meningitis. Also the effect of ceftriaxone on CSF endotoxin levels was investigated in eight patients by reexamining their CSF 2-6 h after the initial dose. Initial CSF bacterial density correlated with initial CSF endotoxin levels (P less than .001). Ceftriaxone induced a marked increase of free endotoxin in CSF, from an initial (mean +/- SE) 0.75 +/- 0.21 to 1.29 +/- 0.23 log10 ng/ml (P less than .01). This increase correlated positively with the number of bacteria killed in the CSF (P less than .01). The increase in free endotoxin was associated with an increase in mean CSF lactate levels from 8.5 to 9.7 units/l (P less than .05) and mean lactate dehydrogenase levels from 102 to 180 mmol/l (P less than .02) and a decrease in mean CSF glucose from 1.17 to 0.46 mmol/l (P less than .05). Initial CSF total endotoxin concentrations correlated both with the Herson-Todd clinical severity score (P less than .001) and with the number of febrile hospital days (P less than .001). These findings suggest that highly bactericidal agents initially lead to release of free endotoxin from gram-negative organisms into CSF, with associated enhanced inflammatory response by the host.     

Treatment of childhood bacterial meningitis

Summary One hundred and eighty-seven children with identified bacterial meningitis were treated with intravenous cefotaxime: 15 patients were neonates, 79 infants, and 93 were aged from 1 to 14 years. Causative organisms were:Neisseria meningitidis in 80 cases,Streptococcus pneumoniae in 41,Haemophilus influenzae in 40, enteric gram-negative bacilli in 20 andStaphylococcus spp. in six. Enteric gram-negative bacilli included:Salmonella spp. in 14 cases,Klebsiella pneumoniae in two, andEscherichia coli, Enterobacter sakazakii andAcinobacter calcoaceticus in one each; in one case the organism was not specified. Daily dose of cefotaxime was 150 to 300 mg/kg. Concomitant treatment with an aminoglycoside was used in seven cases. One hundred and seventy-two patients (92.0%) were cured. Fever persisted for a mean of five days and meningeal signs for a mean of four days. Fifteen (8.0%) patients died: most [13] of them were admitted in coma, and two in shock. Death occurred in the first 48 h in ten cases. Sterilization of CSF was achieved in the first 72 h of treatment in 155 (90.1%) of the cured patients. Cefotaxime was well tolerated. CSF penetration of cefotaxime was evaluated in seven patients: concentrations ranged from 0.499 mg/l to 2.829 mg/l. Based on this clinical study, cefotaxime is an effective and safe drug for the treatment of childhood bacterial meningitis.

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Behandlung der bakteriellen Meningitis im Kindesalter

Zusammenfassung 187 Kinder mit bakterieller Meningitis gesicherter Atiologie wurden intravenös mit Cefotaxim behandelt. 15 der Patienten waren Neugeborene, 79 Säuglinge, und 93 waren im Alter von 1–14 Jahren. Als kausale Erreger wurden in 80 FällenNeisseria meningitidis, in 41Streptococcus pneumoniae, in 40Haemophilus influenzae, in 20 gramnegative Darmbakterien und in sechs FällenStaphylococcus spp. identifiziert. Unter den gramnegativen Darmbakterien fanden sichSalmonella spp. in 14,Klebsiella pneumoniae in zwei sowieEscherichia coli, Enterobacter sakazakii undAcinetobacter calcoaceticus in je einem Fall; in einem Fall gelang die Erregerspezifizierung nicht. Die tägliche Cefotaxim-Dosis lag zwischen 150 und 300 mg/kg. In sieben Fällen wurde eine Kombinationstherapie mit einem Aminoglykosid durchgeführt. Bei 172 Patienten trat eine Heilung ein (92,0%). Das Fieber hielt im Mittel fünf und die Meningitis-Zeichen vier Tage an. 15 Patienten verstarben, davon waren 13 im Koma und zwei im Schock eingeliefert worden. Zehn Kinder verstarben innerhalb der ersten 48 Stunden. Bei 155 (90,1%) der geheilten Patienten wurde der Liquor innerhalb der ersten 48 h nach Therapiebeginn steril. Die Verträglichkeit von Cefotaxim war gut. Bei sieben Patienten wurde die Liquorpenetration von Cefotaxim untersucht: Die Konzentrationen lagen zwischen 0,499 und 2,829 mg/l. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie zeigen, daß Cefotaxim ein wirksames und sicheres Therapeutikum für die bakterielle Meningitis im Kindesalter ist.

     

Acute bacterial meningitis in adults. A 12-year review

One hundred three episodes of acute bacterial meningitis in adults hospitalized in Edmonton's 2 largest hospitals from 1985 to 1996 were reviewed. Cases complicating neurosurgery were excluded. Most cases were community-acquired (87%). Twenty-three cases remained culture-negative, and there was no statistical relation between culture negativity and antibiotic pretreatment. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the predominant pathogen (52.5%), but Listeria monocytogenes was the second most common isolate, accounting for 12.5% of culture-positive cases. Compared to non-listerial meningitis, those with listeriosis were more likely to have negative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Gram stains (p = 0.07), CSF leukocyte counts < 1,000 cells/mm3 (p < 0.003), and normal CSF glucose (p = 0.006). Bacterial antigen detection was found to be of low sensitivity: 33% in all patients, but only 9% in cases with negative CSF Gram stains. The overall mortality was 18%, with 15 deaths directly attributable to acute meningitis; the case-fatality rates for S. pneumoniae and L. monocytogenes were 24% and 40%, respectively. Mortality was significantly higher among those with seizures (34% versus 7%, respectively; p < 0.001; OR = 17.6). Despite the urgency of acute bacterial meningitis, there were considerable delays in the institution of empiric antibiotics; mortality rates were slightly higher in those who experienced such a delay (16% versus 7% respectively; p = 0.18).     

Handheld Point-of-Care Cerebrospinal Fluid Lactate Testing Predicts Bacterial Meningitis in Uganda

We validated a handheld point-of-care lactate (POCL) monitor''s ability to measure lactate in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and diagnose bacterial meningitis in Uganda. There was a strong linear correspondence between POCL and standard laboratory lactate test results (R² = 0.86; P < 0.001). For 145 patients with clinical meningitis, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the prediction of bacterial meningitis by CSF POCL was 0.92 (95% confidence interval = 0.85–0.99, P < 0.001). A CSF POCL concentration of 7.7 mmol/L provided 88% sensitivity and 90% specificity for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. CSF POCL testing had excellent use in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, and it may be useful where CSF analyses are delayed or laboratory infrastructure is limited.     

Predictive value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate level versus CSF/blood glucose ratio for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis following neurosurgery.

The value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate level and CSF/blood glucose ratio for the identification of bacterial meningitis following neurosurgery was assessed in a retrospective study. During a 3-year period, 73 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and could be grouped by preset criteria in one of three categories: proven bacterial meningitis (n = 12), presumed bacterial meningitis (n = 14), and nonbacterial meningeal syndrome (n = 47). Of 73 patients analyzed, 45% were treated with antibiotics and 33% with steroids at the time of first lumbar puncture. CSF lactate values (cutoff, 4 mmol/L), in comparison with CSF/blood glucose ratios (cutoff, 0.4), were associated with higher sensitivity (0.88 vs. 0.77), specificity (0.98 vs. 0.87), and positive (0.96 vs. 0.77) and negative (0.94 vs. 0.87) predictive values. In conclusion, determination of the CSF lactate value is a quick, sensitive, and specific test to identify patients with bacterial meningitis after neurosurgery.     

老年人肺炎球菌性脑膜炎临床特点分析

目的 了解老年人肺癌球菌脑膜炎的临床特征。方法 分析３１例经细胞学检查明确的６０岁以上老年人肺炎球菌脑膜炎患者的临床特征。结果 ３１例患者中肺炎１２例，发热３１例，昏迷３１例，有并发症者１６例，脑脊液涂片阳性３１例，脑脊液糖〈１ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ１６例。结论 有严重基础疾病和并发症的老年患者，脑脊液糖〈１ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ预后差。     

Comparison between cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of glucose, total protein, chloride, lactate, and total amino acids for the differential diagnosis of patients with meningitis

The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of glucose, protein, chloride, lactate, and total amino acids, as well as CSF/blood glucose ratio to distinguish bacterial meningitis from aseptic meningitis. 56 patients with proven bacterial meningitis, 102 patients with aseptic meningitis, and 108 controls were investigated. On admission CSF lactate determination was the most sensitive and the most efficient test to distinguish bacterial meningitis from aseptic meningitis. In patients with bacterial meningitis reexamined after 24-48 h of treatment with antibiotics and compared with patients with aseptic meningitis also reexamined 24-48 h after admission determination of CSF total amino acids was the most sensitive and efficient test.