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Epidemiology of childhood meningitis in Kuwait

Entesar H Husain1, Faisal Al-Shawaf, Esmaeel Bahbahani

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Safat, Kuwait. entesar@qualitynet.net

Medical Science Monitor : International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research
|May 4, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Neisseria meningitidis caused most bacterial meningitis cases in Kuwaiti children. Streptococcus pneumoniae led to the most neurological issues, highlighting the need for targeted public health strategies and new vaccines.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Routine childhood immunization in Kuwait began with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine in 1996.
  • This study examines meningitis trends in children from 2001 to 2003.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the epidemiological, microbiological, and clinical characteristics of pediatric meningitis in Kuwait.
  • To inform public health planning and vaccine strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Multicenter retrospective review of clinical records.
  • Inclusion criteria: otherwise healthy children hospitalized with meningitis diagnosis.
  • Lumbar puncture performed for diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • 172 children diagnosed with meningitis; median age 8 months, 67% under 5 years.
  • Bacterial meningitis in 39% of cases, with Neisseria meningitidis (49%) as the leading cause.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae caused most neurological sequelae (9% overall); 12% ICU admission, 2 deaths.

Conclusions:

  • Neisseria meningitidis is the primary bacterial cause of meningitis in Kuwait.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is linked to the majority of neurological sequelae in young children.
  • Findings support public health planning and the integration of new vaccine data.

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