Abstract
Community-acquired acute bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening infection and many outbreaks have been reported all around the world. We analysed 330 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples received over a period of eight months from patients older than one month. Microscopy, cultures, identification, and antigen detection were performed for the positive samples. Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b were isolated in 5.4%, 4.8%, and 3.6% of CSF samples respectively. Our findings indicate that N. meningitidis is the most common cause of acute bacterial meningitis in Mozambique and that H. influenzae type b was isolated only from children aged younger than six years. This is the first study to provide data on the aetiological agents of acute bacterial meningitis in children and adults in Mozambique.
Highlights
Community-acquired acute bacterial meningitis is a severe and life-threatening infection if not diagnosed early and treated appropriately [1]
Bacterial meningitis caused by H. influenza type b and S. pneumoniae have been declining in the developed countries as result of the introduction of specific vaccines [1]
S. pneumoniae is a major cause of otitis media, pneumonia, and meningitis in all age groups [11], while H. influenza type b is isolated mainly from patients younger than 6 years presenting with the same diseases [12]
Summary
Community-acquired acute bacterial meningitis is a severe and life-threatening infection if not diagnosed early and treated appropriately [1]. Haemophilus influenza type b and Streptococcus pneumoniae are the most common causes of acute bacterial meningitis in developing countries [2]. Bacterial meningitis caused by H. influenza type b and S. pneumoniae have been declining in the developed countries as result of the introduction of specific vaccines [1].
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