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In vitro antibiotic sensitivity pattern of common bacterial isolates from cases of acute bacterial meningitis with special reference to ceftriaxone

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Abstract

Ceftriaxone (RO 13-9904) has only recently been introduced in Benghazi and many parts of the word. We determined itsin vitro antibacterial activity against the primary aetiological agents of childhood meningitis in Benghazi, that included eighteen (23.3%) strains ofH. influenzas, 17 (22.1%) ofStr. pneumoniae and 1 (1.3%) ofN. meningitidis isolated from 77 cases of acute purulent meningitis above the age of neonatal period. All strains ofH. influenzae. Str. pneumoniae andN. meningitidis were sensitive to ceftriaxone and showed wide zones of inhibition by the disc diffusion technique of Kirby-Bauer. Ampicillin and chloramphenicol resistance was observed forH. influenzae (23% and 11% respectively), andStr. pneumoniae (12% and 0% respectively), in addition, 18% of strains ofStr. pneumoniae showed resistance to penicillin. The broad spectrum activity of ceftriaxone has been confirmed for our locality and this finding, together with its exceptionally long half-life, excellent penetration into the C.S.F. and ease of administration (single daily dose) warrants it as the drug of choice in empherical treatment of cases of acute bacterial meningitis in children in Benghazi and in cases where resistance to ampicillin and chloramphenicol are found on subsequent testing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Microbiology and Parasitology, Al-Arab Medical University, Benghazi, Libya

    Bandaru Narasinga Rao (MD) & Ibrahim Mahdi Kashbur

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Al-Fateh Children’s Hospital Faculty of Medicine, Al-Arab Medical University, Benghazi, Libya

    Nuri Mohamed Shembesh & Suliman Mohamed El Bargathy

Authors
  1. Bandaru Narasinga Rao
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  2. Ibrahim Mahdi Kashbur
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  3. Nuri Mohamed Shembesh
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  4. Suliman Mohamed El Bargathy
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Rao, B.N., Kashbur, I.M., Shembesh, N.M. et al. In vitro antibiotic sensitivity pattern of common bacterial isolates from cases of acute bacterial meningitis with special reference to ceftriaxone. Indian J Pediatr 64, 849–854 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02725510

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