PREDOMINANCE OF COAGULASE-NEGATIVE STAPHYLOCOCCI AND ESCALATION OF GRAM-NEGATIVE RESISTANCE IN CEREBROSPINAL FLUID INFECTIONS (2018-2024)

Authors : Erkan Sanmak, Elif Aydın, Yalçın Dicle, Zeynep Ayaydın, Hayri Canbaz

Pages : 87-93

Doi:10.52831/kjhs.1771813

View : 169 | Download : 232

Publication Date : 2025-12-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of microorganisms isolated from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles between 2018 and 2024 in a tertiary hospital. Understanding the causative agents of meningitis and their resistance patterns is crucial for guiding empirical therapy and developing effective infection control strategies. Method: A total of 54 CSF samples were retrospectively analyzed. Patient demographics revealed that 46.3% were female and 53.7% were male, with nearly half (46.3%) of the cases occurring in individuals under 18 years of age. Standard microbiological techniques were used for pathogen identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to routine laboratory protocols. The prevalence of common bacterial isolates and their resistance patterns were documented. Results: The most frequently isolated pathogens were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Approximately 90% of CoNS isolates were found to be methicillin-resistant. Gram-negative isolates exhibited significant resistance patterns, including carbapenem and colistin resistance, which are particularly concerning due to their role as last-resort antibiotics. Vancomycin maintained complete efficacy against all staphylococcal and enterococcal isolates. A notable finding was the high proportion of pediatric patients, suggesting that children represent a particularly vulnerable group for central nervous system infections. Conclusion: The high rates of multidrug-resistant organisms observed in CSF isolates emphasize the importance of tailoring empirical treatment regimens based on local resistance data. Continuous monitoring of pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles is essential to improve infection control measures and to support the regular updating of empirical treatment guidelines for meningitis management.
Keywords : Beyin Omurilik Sıvısı, Antibiyotik Direnci, Menenjit, Koagülaz-Negatif Stafilokoklar

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