Background and study aim: Egypt is an endemic area with Central nervous system (CNS) infections, which associated with high complications and death rates so it is considered a medical emergency. In spite of emerging of new potent antibiotics and availability of specific vaccination accompanied with improving of medical care, morbidity rates accompanied with CNS infection remains unacceptably high. There is dramatic change in the epidemiology of CNS infection that leads to incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis which interferes with the initiation of effective empirical antimicrobial treatment. There is a growing need for more researches to uncover these changes.The aim of the study is to assess the pattern of CNS infections, identify the causative organisms, course and outcome of the CNS infections to implement standard management approaches and improve outcome.
Patients and Methods: One hundred twenty-four patients, recruited from Suez Fever and General Hospitals with suspected CNS infection, were enrolled in this study. CNS infection was confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid results supported by clinical diagnosis and in some patients brain imaging was performed.
Results: In our study streptococcus pneumonia was the main cause of septic meningitis; males infected more than females, children were the most vulnerable group; among children Haemophilus influenzae was the commonest cause of septic meningitis. Mycobacterium meningitis was the leading cause of death among studied patient and deafness was the main neurological complication.
Conclusion: Early clinical suspicion of CNS infection and immediate management are crucial factors in reduction of the still high morbidity and mortality rates. The changes in the pattern of causative organisms must be considered when starting empiric antibiotic.