Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of causative organisms and their sensitivity spectrum in newly diagnosed acuteseptic meningitis.Material and methods: This study was conducted at department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Khyber TeachingHospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from June 2017 till December 2017. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was usedand 88 patients presenting with clinical signs and symptoms of acute septic meningitis were selected through nonrandomized convenient sampling. Before enrolling the patients informed consent was taken from the attendant.Forevery patient a proper record was maintained on a standardized proforma.Detailed history and examinationwas donewith a special emphasis on signs and symptoms suggestive of meningitis were documented. Lumber puncture wasperformed under aseptic technique and samples were sent for analysis and culture to the Khyber Medical CollegePathology Department. Where the CSF culture was performed by Bactec Machine using special culture bottle and thesensitivity pattern was determined against commonly used antibiotics. Patients age less than 15 years with clinicalfeatures suggestive of Acute Septic Meningitis were included in the study while those who have taken IV Antibiotics inthe last 24-48 hours and Patients with TBM or Viral meningitis were excluded.Results: Out of 88 patients with meningitis 7 (7.9%) patients had positive CSF Culture. 10 patients had staphylococcusEpidermidis growth which was considered contamination. Out of 7 positive culture 3 (3.4%) patients had MRSApositive CSF Culture, 2 (2.2%) patients had Staphylococcus Aurius and 1 (1.1%) patients each had StreptococcusPneumonie and E.Coli in CSF Culture.Conclusion: In our study it was found that MRSA is the commonest cause of septic meningitis comprising 3 (3.4%)patients followed by Staphylococcus Aurius in 2 (2.2%) and 1 (1.1%) patient each had Streptococcus Pneumonie andE.Coli. Septic meningitis is a serious condition and inappropriate or delay in the management may result in seriousfatal complications therefore aggressive and appropriate antibiotic therapy is vital for better outcome.