Abstract :
Background: Meningoencephalitis refers to the inflammation of the meninges and brain, and is considered an infectious neurological emergency. Tuberculous meningoencephalitis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is the most common form of central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis.
Materials and Methods: CSF samples were collected asceptically and processed with an aim to identify and isolate Mycobacterium tuberculosis from clinically suspected cases of meningoencephalitis and observe the antitubercular drug resistance pattern.
Results: The study group included 117 patients clinically diagnosed cases of chronic meningoencephalitis which were subjected to Z-N staining, culture on LJ media. From 117 cases, 21 cases were AFB positive, 20 cases were culture positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Antitubercular drug susceptibility pattern was obtained using commercial kit provided by Himedia. (SL023)
Conclusion: Tuberculous meningoencephalitis associated with a high frequency of neurologic sequelae and mortality if not treated promptly.
Keyword :
Meningoencephalitis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Anti tubercular drug susceptibility.