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Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial meningitis among hospitalized patients at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia: a six-year retrospective study

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Abstract

Introduction

Bacterial meningitis poses significant medical challenges due to its acute inflammatory nature and potential for severe neurological complications, emphasizing the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Limited data exists on its epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance trends among hospitalized patients in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to investigate these factors at a tertiary care hospital over six years.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on cerebrospinal fluid samples results from 222 bacterial meningitis cases among hospitalized patients between 2018 and 2023. Demographic, clinical, microbiological data, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns were collected and analyzed.

Results

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (43%) was the predominant pathogen isolated. Neonates (16%) and children (47%) were most affected population. Nosocomial meningitis accounted for 92% of cases, mainly in the intensive care settings (50.45%). Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase was the leading resistance pattern (12.2%). Seasonal variation was observed, with a peak incidence in October-November.

Conclusion

The study highlights the substantial burden of bacterial meningitis among hospitalized patients, especially among high-risk groups. Emerging antimicrobial resistance emphasizes the need for optimized surveillance and stewardship. Future prospective research employing molecular techniques across multiple centers in the country is warranted to enhance understanding and guide public health strategies in Saudi Arabia.

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Data availability

The data presented in this study are available on request from the first author.

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This research received no external funding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia

    Abdulaziz H. Alhazmi, Khalid M. Alameer, Amal Yahya Gharawi, Ehab Farouq Hakami, Taif Ali Zogel, Abdullah Jaber Almalki, Ebhar Gubran Magrashi, Wafa Ali Alharbi, Ramis Mohammed Manni, Atheer Ali Buayti & Ahmad A. Alharbi

  2. Department of Medicine and Surgery, Batterjee Medical College, Aseer, 62451, Saudi Arabia

    Bandar M. Abuageelah

  3. King Fahad Central Hospital, Ministry of Health, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia

    Nabil S. Dhayhi & Moayad Haddad

Authors
  1. Abdulaziz H. Alhazmi
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  2. Khalid M. Alameer
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  3. Bandar M. Abuageelah
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  4. Amal Yahya Gharawi
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  5. Ehab Farouq Hakami
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  7. Abdullah Jaber Almalki
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  8. Ebhar Gubran Magrashi
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  14. Moayad Haddad
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Contributions

Conceptualization and Writing—original draft: A.H.A, K.M.A., B.M.A. A.Y.G., E.F.H., Formal analysis: A.H.A., K.M.A., B.M.A. Writing—review and editing: T.A.Z., A.J.A., E.G.M., W.A.A., R.M.M., A.A.B, A.A.A., N.S.D., M.H. Supervision: A.H.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Abdulaziz H. Alhazmi.

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Institutional review board statement

The study was approved by the Jazan Health Ethics Committee (REC) at the Ministry of Health. [number 2328 dated 21/03/2023]

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Alhazmi, A.H., Alameer, K.M., Abuageelah, B.M. et al. Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial meningitis among hospitalized patients at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia: a six-year retrospective study. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-024-04835-6

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