Bacterial and fungal pathogen detection of acute meningitis and encephalitis, a population based syndrome surveillance in Guigang, Guangxi

Objective To understand the bacterial and fungal pathogens causing acute meningitis and encephalitis and the incidence and clinical characteristics of acute meningitis and encephalitis in Guigang, Guangxi autonomous region and provide evidence for the clinical diagnosis, prevention and control of acute meningitis and encephalitis. Methods Syndrome surveillance for acute meningitis and encephalitis was conducted in all the 12 hospitals in Guigang. The cases who meet the case definition were surveyed and blood and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) specimens were collected from them for bacteriological culture and PCR detection. Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test were used to compare the clinical characteristics and hematological/biochemistry test results of different groups. Results From May 2007 to June 2012, 2382 cases of acute meningitis and encephalitis were identified in Guigang, in which 104 cases were positive for 38 species of bacteria and fungi. The incidence of acute meningitis and encephalitis caused by bacteria and fungi was 0.6/lakh. Streptococcus, Cryptococcus neoformans and Staphylococcus were the most common bacterial and fungal pathogens. No specific manifestations of bacterial and fungal infection were observed. More bacterial and fungal infections occurred in males than in females. Fungal infection was more common in adults, while bacterial infection was more common in children with more severe clinical manifestations, such as disturbance of consciousness and convulsion. Conclusion Various bacteria can cause acute meningitis and encephalitis, and their drug susceptibility varies. Specific antifungal treatment should be gives for fungal infection. It is suggested to strengthen the etiologic detection in hospitals.