Streptococcus pneumoniae among children with clinical meningitis in Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Invasive bacterial disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and it is a major cause of childhood deaths in Nepal. Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for invasive and non-invasive pneumococcal diseases worldwide, such as pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis. The aim of the study was to isolate, identify and determine antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Streptococcus pneumoniae along with use of rapid immunochromatographic test “Binax NOW”, to detect antigen for diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.

Methods: The study was carried out from October 2013 to September 2015 in Children’s Hospital, Teaching Hospital-Department of Child Health and Public Health Research Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal. Cerebrospinal fluid sample from 339 suspected cases of meningitis from children below 15 years of age were examined for identification by Gram staining, Culture and by Binax Now test. The identification of bacteria was done following standard method recommended by American Society for Microbiology. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done by modified Kirby- Bauer disk diffusion method.

Results: Of total 339 suspected cases, 24(7.08%) bacterial meningitis was detected by Gram staining and culture methods whereas BinaxNow method detected 28(8.26%). On the basis of age, the highest numbers of the positive cases were found in the age group between 0-23 months (9.30%) followed by age group 49-60 months (8.16%)

Conclusions: In conclusion, a significant rate of bacterial meningitis was found in this study prompting concern for national wide surveillance.