Abstract
This study describes the bacteriology, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings, and mortality of neonatal meningitis over an 11-year period. The minimum incidence of neonatal meningitis at Tygerberg Hospital is 0.72/1000 live births/year. Eighty-eight patients were included in the study. Median birthweight and age at diagnosis were 2320 g and 12 days, respectively. CSF culture was positive in 77 (88 per cent), blood culture was positive in 51 (57 per cent), and Gram stain was positive in 58 (66 per cent). The most frequently cultured organisms were Group B Streptococcus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and E. coli. Thirty (34 per cent) patients died, the majority within 72 h after admission. The death rate was significantly increased in babies with a birthweight of less than 1500 g (59 per cent). Increased total CSF protein was associated with an increased risk of death. Normal CSF cell count, total CSF protein and CSF glucose were found in six infants.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
