Epidemio-clinical aspects and neuro-meningeal tuberculosis prognosis in Batna

Neuromeningeal tuberculosis is rare, affecting around 1-2% of all tuberculosis cases and 5% of extra pulmonary tuberculosis cases. Our aim is to describe the epidemio-clinical, prognostic and evolutionary aspects of neuromeningeal tuberculosis.
Materials and methods: To determine the spectrum of etiological agents of HIV-negative encephalitis and meningoencephalitis in Batna, we conducted a prospective study using an expanded testing approach. Patients were recruited from three departments (intensive care unit, infectious diseases department, pediatrics) during the period from April 1, 2012, to August 31, 2015. Data were collected according to the FLIPS case definition with a standardized form. We sought to identify etiological pathogens following a standardized procedure and to describe the epidemiological, clinical and biological features and outcomes associated with different causes.
Results: A total of 141 patients with infectious encephalitis and meningoencephalitis were included in the study. Bacterial etiology was determined in 65/141 (46.1%) of whom 30 cases (21.3%) were of tuberculous origin; 21 confirmed and/or probable cases 9 possible cases with high clinical, epidemiological and radiological probability. The median age was 30.5 (0-83), predominantly female 12/18, 23.3% comorbidity with a frequency of motor deficits (86.7%) and psychiatric disorders (26.8%), respiratory involvement was present in 60% of cases, pleocytosis was present in 22/25 (73.4%). hyperalbuminorachy in 66. 7%, and hypoglycorachia in (46.7%). Anti-tuberculosis treatment was instituted in 90% of cases,17.6% were initially admitted to an intensive care unit, and the median length of hospital stay was 38.5 (1-146). death was identified in 46.6%, with 10% having sequelae.
Conclusion: In our study, in addition to viruses, bacteria (especially intracellular) can be responsible for encephalitis and meningoencephalitis, in varying proportions. The most frequent and leading form of bacterial meningoencephalitis in adults is tuberculosis, the prognosis of which depends on early treatment.