Abstract

JIMENEZ MARTINEZ, María del Carmen  and  PADILLA DOCAL, Bárbara. Characterization of meningoencephalitis at "Dr. Luis Díaz Soto" Central Military Hospital, 2004-2008. Rev Cubana Hig Epidemiol [online]. 2012, vol.50, n.2, pp. 189-197. ISSN 1561-3003.

Introduction: Meningoencephalitides are a group of diseases basically characterized by an inflammatory reaction of the membranes covering the brain. Serious sequelae may affect 25-50% of survivors. Objective: Determine the epidemiological and microbiological characteristics and the complications caused by meningoencephalitis at "Dr. Luis Díaz Soto" Central Military Hospital. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 patients with meningoencephalitis confirmed by clinical status, cerebrospinal fluid cytochemical examination and identification of the etiological agent. A chi-square test was applied to determine the relationship between demographic variables and the type of meningoencephalitis. Results: 72 % of meningoencephalitis cases were viral and 28 % were bacterial, with a predominance of the male sex. The most frequent signs and symptoms were fever (83 %), headache (77 %), vomiting (65 %) and meningeal signs (78 %). Bacterial meningoencephalitis was accompanied by increased cellularity (> 500 mm3 in 57,14 %) and proteins (> 0,45 g/L in 78.57 %); cerebral edema as a complication, Streptococcus pneumoniae as the most frequent etiological agent isolated (42,86%) and 50% of cases with no microorganism identified. A predominance of the viral etiology and the male sex was observed in the two types of meningoencephalitis, as well as similar symptoms, main isolated germs and most frequent complications.

Keywords : epidemiology; meningoencephalitis; Haemophilus influenzae; Streptococcus pneumoniae.

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