Pathological and Microbiological Analysis of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Bacterial Meningitis

Ramesh S.T.1, Girish Babu R. J 2

1Dr Ramesh S T, Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, 2Dr Girish Babu R J, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, B.H.Road, Agalkote, Tumakuru, Karnataka 527107, India

Address for Correspondence: Dr Ramesh S T, Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Agalakote, Tumkur . E -mail: drrameshst@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Meningitis is a life threatening infection with incidences increasing in adults and children. CSF analysis is a key tool to diagnose and differentiate between bacterial, viral, tubercular and fungal meningitis. Identifying the causative bacterial organisms is important to guide antimicrobial therapy. Aims & objectives: The present study was undertaken to analyze CSF parameters and to determine causative organisms of meningeal infection and also to find out their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Settings and design: Cross sectional study. Methods and Materials: The study includes 100 clinically suspected cases of meningitis. Pathological and Biochemical analysis was done. Bacterial pathogens were identified by conventional methods of culture with sensitivity pattern. Results: Out of 100 cases, 30 cases showed total count >1000cells/ul with neutrophil predominance. 25 cases shows culture growth, with Escherichia coli as predominant organism isolated followed by Streptococcus pneumonia. Imipenem showed 100% sensitivity followed by Pipercillin/Tazobactum 90%. Conclusion: Our results of CSF fluid analysis revealed a total count of >1000 cells /ul with neutrophil predominance. Escherichia coli was the predominant organism isolated. Imipenem showed 100% sensitivity.

Key words: Meningitis, CSF, Escherichia coli

Manuscript received: 15th September 2016, Reviewed: 27th September 2016
Author Corrected: 10th October 2016, Accepted for Publication: 26th October 2016

Introduction

Meningitis is an infection of the meninges that surround the brain and the spinal cord. It is usually caused by bacterial, viral or fungal pathogens. Bacterial meningitis is one of the most serious infections seen in all age groups, which is associated with acute complications and chronic morbidity [1,2].

Etiology of bacterial meningitis varies by age group and region of the world. The most common pathogens implicated in the causation of bacterial meningitis are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitides, Hemophilus influenzae and Escherichia coli [3].

Clinical diagnosis of meningitis is difficult as its early manifestations are often not specific, especially in infants and children due to the immaturity of Central Nervous System in them. Thus laboratory support is imperative to achieve early diagnosis [4].

CSF analysis includes macroscopic assessment of CSF, microscopic examination for pathologic cells, and biochemical analysis for protein and glucose form the basis for routine CSF analysis. The classic CSF abnormalities in bacterial meningitis are a polymorphonuclear leukocytosis, decreased glucose concentration, and increased protein concentration [5,6,7].

CSF culture is the best diagnostic method and is positive in majority of the cases. Prompt antibiotic sensitivity testing is essential for appropriate treatment [1,2].

Since clinical presentation is vague, thus aetiological diagnosis mainly depends on CSF analysis and culture [3,4].

The present study was undertaken to analyze CSF parameters and to determine causative organisms of bacterial meningeal infection and also to find out their antibiotic susceptibility pattern, which will guide the local clinician to treat accordingly.

Materials and Methods [6,7,8]

This study on bacterial meningitis was carried out in the Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College and Hospital, Tumkur over a period of one year. A total of 100 cerebrospinal fluid samples obtained from clinically suspected cases of bacterial meningitis of all age groups admitted to the medical and paediatric wards at Sri Siddhartha Medical College and Hospital were included in the study. Meningitis developing following head trauma, neurosurgical procedure, tubercular, anaerobic, viral, fungal, parasitic causes and patients who have received antibiotics for the past one-week from their visit to the hospital were excluded from the study. Informed consent and institutional ethical clearance were obtained.

Sample collection and processing: Cerebrospinal fluid samples received in sterile container to the laboratory was immediately processed. CSF was aliquot into three test tubes. Sample from first test tube was used to analyse total WBC count, cell type. Sample from second test tube was centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 15 minutes and to prevent the possible contamination, the sediment was used first to inoculate the culture media and then direct smear was made by Gram’s stain. The third test tube was used for protein and glucose analysis.

Examination of CSF- Macroscopic examination: Appearance of CSF was observed for volume/ turbidity/ purulence and blood staining. Cytological examination: Cell count was done by charging the counting chamber with CSF and counting the leucocytes. A film of centrifuged deposit was examined for differential count and to find out the predominant cell type.

Protein and glucose was measured by immunoturbidometry assay using Roche/Hitachi Cobas 311system with calibrators and internal controls provided by Roche and according to manufactures recommendations.

Culture- For culture and identification, the sediment of the centrifuged CSF was inoculated into the following media: 5% Sheep blood agar plate, Chocolate agar plate incubated at 370 C in 5-10% CO2 and MacConkey’s agar plate incubated at 370 C. Inoculated primary plates were incubated for 48 hours. Any growth on the above mentioned media was identified on the basis of their colony morphology, cultural characteristics and biochemical reactions according to standard techniques. Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of all the isolates was done by standardized Kirby Bauer’s disc diffusion method laid by Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines.

Statistical Analysis: Data collected will be entered into Microsoft excel 2007 and analysed using epi info 3.4.3. Descriptive statistics such as proportion will be calculated. Sensitivity analysis will be done to determine the diagnostic accuracy of various investigations.

Results

In the present study, it was observed that the male were affected more i.e., 62 as compared to 38 females in the ratio of 1.6:1. The youngest among the case studied was one month old and oldest being 70 yrs. Most common manifestations were fever, vomiting, headache and neck rigidity.

Macroscopic appearance of CSF, in 25% cases shows turbid fluid and 5% hemorrhagic appearance.

In our study, Total WBC count >1000 cells /ul were seen in 20% of cases with neutrophils predominant in 30% cases.  Protein levels >50 mg/dl were seen in 25 % of cases, glucose level <45mg/dl were seen in 30% cases (Table I).

Table- I: CSF parameters in meningitis

CSF  parameters

Total  cases (100)

WBCs (total cells /ul )

≤100

52

>100–1000

28

>1000

20

Cell type : Neutrophils%

>50

30

<50

70

Protein (mg/dL)

<50

75

>50

25

Glucose (mg/dL)

>45

70

<45

30

Of the total 100 samples processed, significant growth was found in 25% samples while 75% samples showed no growth. The commonest isolated organism being Escherichia coli (32%) followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (16%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16%), Group B Streptococci (8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8%), Staphylococcus aureus 8%), Enterococcus faecalis (4%),   Enterobacter aerogenes (4%), and Citrobacter koseri (4%). (Table II).

Table No-II- Distribution of Culture Positive Cases According To Spectrum of Bacterial Isolates

Sl No.

Organisms

Total no of cases

Percentage

1

Escherichia coli

8

32%

2

Streptococcus pneumoniae

4

16%

3

Klebsiella pneumoniae

4

16%

4

Group B Streptococci

2

8%

5

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

2

8%

6

Staphylococcus aureus

2

8%

7

Enterococcus faecalis

1

4%

8

Enterobacteraerogenes

1

4%

9

Citrobacter koseri

1

4%

Total

25

100%

Imipenem showed 100% sensitivity, followed by Pipercillin/Tazobactum 90%, Co-tirmoxazole 67% was found to be least sensitive (Table III).

Table No. III- Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of organisms

Antibiotic

Percentage

Imipenem

100 %

Pipercillin/Tazobactum

90%

Amikacin

85%

Cefatazidime/ Clauvnic acid

85%

Ceftoxime

75%

Cefatazidime

77%

Levofloxacin

80%

Ofloxacin

77%

Amoxicillin/Clauvnic acid

72%

Co-tirmoxazole

67%

Discussion

Acute bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency, which warrants early diagnosis and aggressive therapy. Despite the availability of potent antibiotics, the mortality rate due to acute bacterial meningitis remains significantly high in India [4].  Most often clinical manifestation are non specific making the role of laboratory support imperative in providing rapid etiologic diagnosis for timely initiation of effective treatment measures [9]

There is a need for periodic review of bacterial meningitis worldwide, since the pathogens responsible for infection vary with time, geography and patient’s age. Increase in awareness, availability of vaccines may also reflect a change in the epidemiological pattern of these pathogens. Delay in diagnosis and initiation of treatment can result in poor outcome of the disease [10].

The present study was undertaken to study the pathological and microbiological analysis of CSF in bacterial meningitis. A total of 100 cases were studied. In the study, highest percentage of  bacterial meningitis cases  was observed in the age group of 1months to 2 years .This can be attributed to decreased immunity and high vascularity of the brain  in children less than 2 years of age .The increased risk of  bacterial  meningitis in elderly is multifactorial and  includes both a greater propensity for underlying acute and chronic diseases like pneumonia ,diabetes, renal or hepatic failure [2].

In the present study, it was observed that the males were affected more compared to females. The common manifestations were fever, vomiting, headache and neck rigidity which correlates with Reyes ER et al .In patients who present with headache, lethargy, vomiting and CNS dysfunction, the likelihood of meningitis must be considered. Fever, seizures and meningeal involvement are the most frequent signs encountered in all age groups regardless of the etiologic organisms isolated on culture [11].

Macroscopic appearance of CSF, in 25% cases shows turbid fluid and 5% cases hemorrhagic appearance. Normal CSF is usually clear and colorless like water. CSF turbidity may be caused by increased cell count (WBC leucocytes, erythrocytes, bacteria, fungi and parasites). When blood is present in a CSF specimen, it is necessary to determine whether it is due to a traumatic Lumbar Puncture or intracranial bleeding [12].

Total WBC count >1000cells /ul were seen in 20% of cases and neutrophils predominance were seen in 30% cases which were also observed by Reyes et al, Dunbar SA et al and Fouad R et al study [11,13,14].

Lymphocytes and monocytes with occasionally ependymal cells are found in normal CSF. An increased number of neutrophilic granulocytes can be found in bacterial and acute viral CNS infections. In bacterial meningitis cases, CSF shows rise in total WBC count with increase in neutrophil counts [11, 13,14,15].

In our study, CSF protein level >50mg/dl with glucose level <45mg/dl were seen in bacterial meningitis which correlates with Abro AH etal. As glucose is actively transported across the blood brain barrier the CSF glucose levels are directly proportionate to the plasma levels. Elevated CSF protein concentration can be found in the majority of patients with Bacterial, Cryptococcal and Tubercular meningitis. Coexistent findings of low sugar level and marked elevation in CSF protein level help distinguish patients with bacterial meningitis from those with viral disease [5, 14,16].

Of the total 100 samples processed, significant growth were found in 25% samples while 75% samples showed no growth. The low yield on culture can be attributed to following reasons –delay in transport of specimen to the laboratory ,non availability of special media for specific pathogens in the emergency setting, presence of autolysis enzyme in CSF, fastidious nature of pathogen and antibiotic treatment prior to lumbar puncture [12,17].

In our study, commonest isolated organism being Escherichia coli (32%) followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (16%). Meningitis in newborn usually results from an infection of the blood stream. E coli can be transmitted by the mother during pregnancy or labour. Older infants and children usually develop infection through contact with respiratory secretions [12,17].

Culture growth was found in cases were CSF analysis showed rise in total WBC count with neutrophil predominance ,along with increase in protein level and decrease in glucose level. A result of CSF analysis with biochemical parameters and culture growth indicates bacterial meningitis. Thus our study correlates with the studies done by Dutt and Kalayadav et al  [1, 2].
    
In the present study, the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of the isolates shows (100%) sensitivity for Imipenem followed by Pipercillin/Tazobactum (90%), and Co-tirmoxazole (67%) was found to be least sensitive [12]. The study observes an increasing resistance pattern among the major pathogens is an alarming sign,the reason could be due to the fact that our hospital is a tertiary care centre to which majority of cases referred are pre-treated with antibiotics. The résistance to different group of drugs can be attributed to the rampant and indiscriminate use of antibiotics leading to the development of large scale drug resistance [12, 3, 18].

Our study has updated information on local causative pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern which can help the clinicians to formulate the initial empirical therapy.

Conclusion

Bacterial meningitis remains a major health care problem with incidence rising in adults and children. An early pathological and microbiological analysis and providing appropriate antibiotic therapy are life saving and they also reduce chronic morbidity and mortality.

Funding: Nil, Conflict of interest: None initiated.
Permission from IRB: Yes

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How to cite this article?

Ramesh S.T, Girish Babu R. J. Pathological and Microbiological Analysis of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Bacterial Meningitis. Trop J Path Micro 2016;2(3):94-98.doi: 10.17511/jopm.2016.i3.03.