Bacterial Meningitis in Adults: A Review of 106 Episodes

Abstract

In this study, we retrospectively evaluated 106 meningitis cases, of which 74 were nontuberculous bacterial meningitis (NTBM), 32 were tuberculous meningitis (TM) in a period of 12 years between 1985 and 1997. Among 74 episodes of NTBM, the most common pathogens were S. pneumoniae (32%) and N. meningitidis (15%). The mortality rate was 28% for NTBM while 35% for TM (p > 0.05). In NTBM cases leukocytosis, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, tachypnea, low diastolic blood pressure and obtunded mental state on admission were significant prognostic factors, while mental status change and leukocytosis were only significant prognostic factors in TM cases. Dexamethasone was added to the therapy in 40% of all cases. Dexamethasone had no effect on mortality and sequelae either in TM or NTBM