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Acute bacterial meningitis in Qatar
Mahmoud F Elsaid1, Amina A Flamerzi, Mohammed S Bessisso
1Department of Pediatrics, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. fawzi59@hotmail.com
Saudi Medical Journal
|February 28, 2006
Summary
The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine effectively reduced Hib meningitis in children. Continuous surveillance is crucial due to emerging Streptococcus pneumoniae resistance to antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis remains a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality.
- The epidemiology of bacterial meningitis is influenced by vaccination and antibiotic resistance patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in bacterial meningitis epidemiology, clinical presentation, and bacteriology.
- To assess the impact of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccination and pneumococcal resistance.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of children under 12 years old with culture-proven bacterial meningitis.
- Data collected from January 1998 to December 2002 at Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar.
Main Results:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) was the primary pathogen in infants (<3 months).
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (STP) were common in older children before Hib vaccine introduction; Hib infections significantly decreased post-vaccination.
- STP exhibited 40% penicillin resistance and 12% ceftriaxone resistance; Hib showed 50% ampicillin resistance but no ceftriaxone resistance. Streptococcus pneumoniae was associated with the highest morbidity (62%).
Conclusions:
- Hib vaccination is effective in reducing bacterial meningitis incidence.
- Emerging antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae necessitates careful empiric therapy selection.
- Continued surveillance of bacterial meningitis pathogens and their sensitivities is essential for updating treatment guidelines and considering pneumococcal vaccination.