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The causative organisms of bacterial meningitis in Korean children in 1996-2005

Hye Kyung Cho1, Hyunju Lee, Jin Han Kang

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea.

Journal of Korean Medical Science
|June 2, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial meningitis in Korean children was most commonly caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. Continued surveillance is needed to refine prevention strategies for these key pathogens.

Area of Science:

  • * Pediatrics
  • * Infectious Diseases
  • * Epidemiology

Background:

  • * Bacterial meningitis is a significant cause of childhood illness and death.
  • * Effective vaccines exist for some common bacterial causes, yet incidence remains a concern.
  • * Data on bacterial meningitis etiology in Korea requires updated analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To analyze trends in bacterial meningitis cases in Korea between 1996 and 2005.
  • * To identify the primary bacterial pathogens responsible for meningitis across different age groups.
  • * To assess the case fatality rate and inform preventive strategies.

Main Methods:

  • * Retrospective analysis of hospitalized, bacteria-proven meningitis cases.
  • * Data collected from 17 university hospitals nationwide.
  • * Cases analyzed for demographic information and causative bacterial agents.

Main Results:

  • * A total of 402 bacterial meningitis cases were identified.
  • * Streptococcus agalactiae (24.6%) was the most frequent pathogen overall, particularly in neonates.
  • * Streptococcus pneumoniae (22.6%) and Haemophilus influenzae (16.7%) were also significant contributors, with S. pneumoniae being dominant in non-neonatal cases.

Conclusions:

  • * Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae are key etiologic agents of childhood bacterial meningitis in Korea.
  • * Current vaccination strategies may need re-evaluation for optimal efficacy.
  • * Ongoing nationwide epidemiological studies are crucial for monitoring and adapting immunization strategies.
Keywords:
EpidemiologyEtiologyHaemophilus influenzaeMeningitis, BacterialNeisseria meningitidisStreptococcus agalactiaeStreptococcus pneumoniae

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