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Bacterial meningitis incidence in Thai children estimated by a rapid assessment tool (RAT)

Charung Muangchana1, Supamit Chunsuttiwat, Supachai Rerks-Ngarm

  • 1Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand. charungm@hotmail

The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|October 22, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial meningitis affects young children, causing significant illness and death. This study estimates its incidence in Thai children under five, revealing higher rates than initially reported.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Acute bacterial meningitis is a major cause of child morbidity and mortality.
  • Accurate incidence data is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the incidence of bacterial meningitis in Thai children under five years.
  • To determine the common bacterial pathogens responsible for meningitis in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective data collection of suspected meningitis cases using a rapid assessment tool (RAT).
  • Analysis of clinical and laboratory data from 5 catchment areas over one year.
  • Calculation of adjusted incidences considering laboratory quality and lumbar puncture rates.

Main Results:

  • An unadjusted incidence of 24.6 per 100,000 children under five was observed.
  • Confirmed bacterial meningitis accounted for 33.8% of suspected cases.
  • Haemophilus influenzae type B was the most common pathogen (39.1%), followed by gram-positive cocci (26.1%).
  • Adjusted incidence was approximately double the unadjusted rate.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides an incidence range for bacterial meningitis in Thai children under five.
  • Adjusted data suggests a higher burden of bacterial meningitis than initially estimated.
  • Findings highlight the need for continued surveillance and prevention strategies.

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