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Acute bacterial meningitis among children < 5 years of age in Oman: a retrospective study during 2000-2005

Nihar Dash1, Debadatta Panigrahi, Saleh Al Khusaiby

  • 1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. ndash@sharjah.ac.ae

Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
|September 10, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine in Oman significantly reduced meningitis cases in young children. Other bacterial meningitis causes like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis remained steady, highlighting a need for improved diagnostics.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Significant shifts in meningitis epidemiology have occurred due to widespread Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine use.
  • Oman's introduction of Hib, meningococcal (serogroups A & C), and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines was expected to impact disease patterns.
  • This study reviews acute bacterial meningitis in Omani children under five (2000-2005) to track pathogen epidemiological changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiological trends of acute bacterial meningitis in children under five in Oman.
  • To assess the impact of conjugate vaccine introduction on meningitis pathogen distribution.
  • To identify the most common bacterial agents causing meningitis in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of all reported acute bacterial meningitis cases in children under five.
  • Data collected from the Department of Communicable Diseases Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Oman.
  • Study period: January 2000 to December 2005.

Main Results:

  • 344 cases of bacterial meningitis were reported; Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) was initially most common (22%) but declined post-vaccination.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae (15%) and Neisseria meningitidis (11%) were other key pathogens; etiology remained unidentified in 52% of cases.
  • Meningitis peaked in infants under one year; the overall case fatality rate was 2% (7 deaths).

Conclusions:

  • Hib vaccination in Oman led to a significant decrease in Haemophilus influenzae meningitis cases.
  • Incidence of meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis remained stable.
  • Improved laboratory diagnostics are crucial for better antibiotic policies and vaccine-strengthened control measures.

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