Clinical analysis of 43 cases of positive culture of cerebrospinal fluid in children

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the significance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture in diagnosis and treatment of childhood bacterial meningitis (BM). Methods Clinical data were collected and the etiology, laboratory results, treatment and disease prognosis were analyzed in children with positive CSF culture during Jan 2011 to Dec 2012 in our hospital. Results A total of 43 organisms were detected from CSF, 13 cases of which were clearly diagnosed as BM. The coagulase negative staphylococcus was isolated most frequently (51.2%, 22/43), meanwhile, CSF routine examination and biochemical test were abnormal in only 1 case. All results of blood cultures were negative. All cases were cured without changing antibiotics according to the drug sensitive test. Four strains of Streptococcus agalactiae, 2 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae and 4 strains of gram-negative bacilli were separated. Routine examinations of all CSF were abnormal in most cases, the CSF biochemical tests were abnormal and blood cultures were positive. Conclusion Coagulase negative staphylococcus separated in most CSF is contaminated bacteria. Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and gram-negative bacilli separated in CSF have important diagnostic value in BM. Diagnosis of BM should be combined with CSF culture, routine examination, biochemical test, blood culture results and clinical manifestations, then we can avoid unnecessary usage of antibiotics. Key words: Bacterial meningitis; Pathogenic bacteria; Cerebrospinal fluid; Children