THE PREVALENCE OF ENTEROVIRUSES ASSOCIATED WITH ASEPTIC MENINGITIS IN NORTH REGIONS OF WEST BANK, PALESTINE IN 2022-2023
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Date
2024-02-19
Authors
Ro'a Shams Abu Shams
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Abstract
Abstract
Background: Enteroviruses (EV) is a significant cause of aseptic meningitis worldwide. The prevalence of EV in neonates in the West Bank, Palestine has not been previously studied.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of EV in neonates diagnosed with aseptic meningitis at three major governmental hospitals in northern regions of the West Bank, Palestine, examining associations with various demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings.
Methodology: A total of 150 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from neonates younger than 8 weeks with aseptic meningitis from the three hospitals between June 2022 and May 2023. EV RNA in CSF was detected by reverse transcription-PCR and the association with demographic data, clinical symptoms, and laboratory findings were evaluated. Chi-Square and Fisher Exact tests were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Out of the 150 samples, 23 (15.3%) neonates were found to have tested positive for EV. The study found no significant association between EV positivity and gender, location, seasonality, or most clinical symptoms and laboratory findings. However, significant differences were observed with vomiting, diarrhea, and photophobia. The distribution of aseptic meningitis cases varied across cities and seasons.
Conclusion: EV was present in a minority of aseptic meningitis cases in neonates in the North regions of the West Bank. The study highlights the importance of routine testing for EV in neonates with aseptic meningitis, especially in cases presenting with specific symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and photophobia. Further studies are needed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of EV among this age group.
Keywords: Aseptic meningitis, Cerebrospinal fluid, Enteroviruses, Neonates, Palestine.