Abstract
A case of group A streptococcal meningitis is reported and the 51 cases reported in the literature since 1966 reviewed. A total of 24 men and 24 women were included in the study; the mean age (± SD) was 20.9 ± 25.5 years. Fifty-eight percent of the patients had comorbid conditions, 80% had a distant focus of infection, and 65.8% had blood cultures positive for group A streptococci. Seventy-five per cent of the patients were treated with penicillin. The overall case-fatality rate was 12% (6 patients). Sequelae were more prevalent among children (44%) than among adults (7.7%) (0R = 9,43; 95% CI, 1.02-438.95; P = 0.03). Group A streptococcus is a rare cause of pyogenic meningitis, affecting mainly children or adults with co-morbidity. Although the case-fatality rate is relatively low, neurological sequelae are frequent among survivors, especially children.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 572-578 |
Journal | European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 23 Nov 1999 |