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Bacterial meningitis in children and adolescents: an observational study based on the national surveillance system

Félix O Dickinson1, Antonio E Pérez

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kourí, Havana, Cuba. dickinson@ipk.sld.cu

BMC Infectious Diseases
|November 18, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Cuba

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis poses a severe threat to children and adolescents, potentially causing lasting neurological damage.
  • Cuba has a history of implementing extensive vaccination programs targeting key meningitis pathogens, including Neisseria meningitidis (serogroups B and C) and Haemophilus influenzae type b.
  • Understanding the epidemiological trends of bacterial meningitis in Cuba offers valuable insights into the impact of these public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe and analyze the epidemiological status of bacterial meningitis in Cuba.
  • To evaluate the incidence, case-fatality rates, and associated risk factors for bacterial meningitis in children and adolescents.
  • To assess the effectiveness of vaccination programs on the epidemiology of bacterial meningitis.

Main Methods:

  • A nationwide observational study was conducted from 1998 to 2003, focusing on individuals aged 1 to 18 years.
  • Data collection included estimating incidence, case-fatality rates, seasonality, and the prevalence of overcrowded living conditions.
  • Statistical analyses, including relative risk calculations (Chi-squared and Fisher Exact tests), were used to assess associations between disease and factors like day care or boarding school attendance.

Main Results:

  • The study identified 1023 cases of bacterial meningitis, with incidence rates varying by age group, peaking in children aged 1-5 years.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae emerged as the primary causative agent and the most lethal, followed by Haemophilus influenzae type b and Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.
  • Overcrowded dormitory conditions were more prevalent in adolescents (30.6%), and seasonality was noted for meningococcal meningitis (September-October).

Conclusions:

  • The highest incidence of bacterial meningitis occurred in young children (1-5 years), with Streptococcus pneumoniae being the leading and most lethal pathogen.
  • While overcrowded conditions were more common in adolescents, no significant association was found with day care or boarding school attendance.
  • The incidence of bacterial meningitis in Cuba shows a declining trend, attributed to comprehensive national vaccination programs against major meningeal pathogens.
Abstract

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