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Meningitis in children in Fiji: etiology, epidemiology, and neurological sequelae

Viema Lewagalu Biaukula1, Lisi Tikoduadua, Kristy Azzopardi

  • 1Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Fiji School of Medicine, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji. viema.biaukula@fnu.ac.fj

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
|February 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Enterovirus caused a meningitis outbreak in Fiji, but Streptococcus pneumoniae is the primary bacterial cause. Bacterial meningitis leads to severe neurological issues and decreased quality of life in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Meningitis remains a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally.
  • Understanding the specific etiological agents and their impact is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the causes, epidemiology, neurological outcomes, and quality of life for children under five with meningitis in Fiji.
  • To identify the most prevalent etiological agents, including bacterial and viral pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • A 3-year prospective study involving blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures, PCR, and serological testing for suspected meningitis cases.
  • Neurological assessments, audiometry, and quality of life (PedsQL) evaluations were conducted post-discharge.

Main Results:

  • Enterovirus was the most common cause during an outbreak; Streptococcus pneumoniae was the leading bacterial pathogen (9.9/100,000 incidence, 36% CFR).
  • Bacterial meningitis cases showed significantly higher rates of neurological sequelae (18.5%) and reduced quality of life compared to viral meningitis.
  • Indigenous Fijian children had a higher incidence of meningitis than Indo-Fijian children.

Conclusions:

  • While enterovirus outbreaks can be significant, Streptococcus pneumoniae poses a consistent threat for bacterial meningitis in Fijian children.
  • Bacterial meningitis is linked to severe long-term neurological deficits and a diminished quality of life, underscoring the need for prevention and prompt treatment.
Abstract

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