Etiology of Bacterial Meningitis among Clinically Diagnosed Childeren in JUSH: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background:-Bacterial meningitis remains a common disease worldwide. Although no age group is exempt from acquiring the infection, bacterial meningitis has the highest incidence during the first month of life than during any other subsequent period and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The causes of bacterial meningitis in the neonatal period are generally distinct from those in older infants and children and reflect the maternal gastrointestinal and genitourinary flora and the environment to which the infant is exposed. The most frequent causes of bacterial meningitis above neonatal period are Nessieria meningitides, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenza. Information on the relative frequency of the isolation and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of these pathogens is scarce in Ethiopia, in particular to Jimma University teaching Hospital. Objective:-The aim of this study is to assess the etiology of bacterial meningitis among clinically diagnosed children admitted to JUSH pediatric ward. Methods and Materials:-A retrospective analysis of cerebrospinal fluid specimens submitted for culture and antibiotic susceptibility patterns to the bacteriology laboratory of JUSH will be conducted over one month between 2013 June 2015. Work plan and budget:-