Predominant Bacterial Agents of Childhood Meningitis in Calabar

Abstract

Summary: A review of 51 cases of bacterial meningitis in neonates and children up to the age of 12 years admit ted to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, during a 34-month period, has shown that the predominant organisms in the newborn period were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (46%), coliforms (27%) and Strept pneumoniae (19%). Between the ages of one month and 2 years, the common organisms isolated were Strept pneumoniae (47%) and H influenzae (32%). However, because of the small numbers involved, it was not possible to define the predominant bacterial patterns at different ages above two years. Based on the results of sensitivity tests, it is recommended that initial antibiotic therapy should consist of a combination of ampicillin and gentamicin in neonatal meningitis while ampicillin in high doses or a combination of penicillin and chloramphenicol should be used in children above the age of one month.