Etiological Study of Meningitis.

Objective: To investigate the etiological factors, clinical presentation, and management of meningitis at the Gouri Devi Institute of Medical Science. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 80 meningitis patients over five years, focusing on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, etiological agents, treatment outcomes, and diagnostic methods. Results: Meningitis was most prevalent in the 21-40 age group (31.25%), with a slight male predominance (56.25%) and higher incidence in urban areas (62.5%). Fever (95%) and headache (90%) were the most common symptoms. Enteroviruses (37.5%) and Neisseria meningitidis (25%) were the primary etiological agents. Treatment with antivirals (97.14% recovery) and antibiotics (85.71% recovery) was effective. Vaccinations significantly reduced meningitis incidence (p < 0.001). Age and socioeconomic status were statistically significant factors influencing the type of meningitis. Conclusions: The study provides essential insights into the etiology, clinical presentation, and management of meningitis. It highlights the significance of demographic factors, the effectiveness of treatment regimens, and the impact of preventive measures like vaccination in reducing meningitis incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]