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Fifteen years of experience with bacterial meningitis

K G Dawson1, J C Emerson, J L Burns

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle 98105, USA.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|September 24, 1999
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine introduction significantly reduced Hib meningitis in children. Other bacterial meningitis pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis remained steady.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines have significantly changed childhood bacterial meningitis epidemiology.
  • This study aimed to document these epidemiological shifts within a pediatric teaching hospital setting.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the changes in bacterial meningitis patterns in children.
  • To analyze the impact of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine introduction on meningitis epidemiology.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of patient charts at Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle.
  • Analysis of bacterial meningitis cases from 1981 to 1995, divided into three 5-year periods based on Hib vaccine availability (unconjugated, transitional, conjugate).

Main Results:

  • A total of 806 bacterial meningitis cases were identified.
  • Haemophilus influenzae was the predominant pathogen before conjugate vaccine availability (73% and 69% in the first two periods).
  • Following conjugate vaccine introduction, Haemophilus influenzae cases dramatically declined to 16%, while Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis remained consistent.

Conclusions:

  • The study observed a significant shift in childhood meningitis etiology post-Hib vaccine introduction.
  • While Haemophilus influenzae meningitis decreased, the incidence of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis meningitis remained stable.

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