title: Aetiology of meningitis in HIV-infected patients in a referral hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
abstract: The HIV epidemic in Cambodia is one of the most extensive in Asia. Meningitis accounts for a substantial proportion of HIV-related morbidity and mortality in Cambodia. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify the clinical and spinal fluid characteristics of patients undergoing spinal tap at an AIDS referral hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia during a 16-month period. Of 932 charts reviewed, 89 met criteria for analysis. Overall mortality was 49.4%. Cryptococcus was the most commonly identified pathogen (83%), followed by mycobacteria (8%). No pathogen was identified in 9% of charts reviewed. In hospital mortality was similar in all groups.
authors.affiliation: Preah Bat Norodon Sihanouk Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chhin
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rozycki
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pugatch
authors.forename: J I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Harwell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002160:Cambodia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003454:Cryptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008581:Meningitis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000401:mortality; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies