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[Meningitis and encephalitis in 1998]
1Zakład Epidemiologii, Państwowego Zakładu Higieny, Warszawa.
Abstract:
In 1998--3,024 cases of meningitis and 581 cases of encephalitis were reported. It was 1,436 cases less then in 1997. A significant decrease of enteroviral meningitidis was observed and strains of ECHO30 was not dominant, it was Cox B5. Among bacterial factors the most common was N. meningitidis. 131 sporadic cases of meningitis caused by this bacteria were reported with serotype B dominating (96%). There were 103 cases of bacterial meningitis caused by S. pneumoniae and 101 cases caused by H. influenzae b among those with confirmed diagnosis. There were 208 cases of tick-borne encephalitis, diagnosed mainly in endemic areas of Białystok and Suwałki voivodeships.
Insights
In 1998, meningitis and encephalitis cases decreased significantly. Bacterial meningitis was most common, primarily caused by Neisseria meningitidis serotype B, while enteroviral meningitis saw a shift in dominant strains.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Meningitis and encephalitis are significant public health concerns.
- Understanding etiological factors and trends is crucial for disease control.
- The year 1998 data provides a snapshot of these neurological infections.
Purpose:
- To report and analyze the incidence of meningitis and encephalitis cases in 1998.
- To identify the causative agents and dominant strains of reported infections.
- To compare the 1998 data with previous years and highlight significant changes.
Summary:
- A total of 3,024 meningitis and 581 encephalitis cases were reported in 1998, a decrease from 1997.
- Enteroviral meningitis decreased, with Coxsackie B5 becoming dominant over ECHO30.
- Neisseria meningitidis was the most common bacterial cause of meningitis (131 cases), predominantly serotype B (96%). Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b were also significant causes.
- Tick-borne encephalitis accounted for 208 cases, primarily in endemic regions.
Impact:
- Highlights the changing epidemiology of meningitis, particularly the decrease in enteroviral cases and the prevalence of specific bacterial serotypes.
- Provides essential data for public health surveillance and targeted interventions against meningitis and encephalitis.
- Informs vaccination strategies and clinical management by identifying dominant pathogens like N. meningitidis serotype B.