Microbial Etiology of Community Acquired Meningoencephalitis In Adults: A Retrospective Review

Objectives: Meningoencephalitis (ME) is a well-recognized clinical entity with diverse infectious etiologies. Only few studies in the Indian literature are available on this issue, especially adult population. The aim to study microbial etiology of ME presenting tertiary care center. Methods: A total 97 cases labeled as were initially found review hospital records retrospective over 5 years. Of these, only 62 microbiologically confirmed and these selected for study. Results: Bacteria cause 21(34%) cases. Pneumococcus was predominant bacterial etiology, 17 (detected by PCR 15 culture 3 cases). Viruses seen 13 (21%) cases; Herpes simplex virus (HSV) 4 enterovirus varicella 2 each (all detected PCR). We also had Arboviruses: Chikungunya (3 cases) Dengue (2 (serological diagnosis). TB (24%) (diagnosed positive CSF Xpert Mtb 11 AFB 7 Cryptococcus another CRAG all positivity Conclusion: HSV commonest agents causing acute syndrome. Mycobacterium tuberculosis accounted chronic ME. Multiplex (in ME) cryptococcal antigen play an important role diagnosis culture-negative J Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 11(1):15-20.