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Surveillance of bacterial meningitis in the country of Georgia, 2006-2010

Maia Butsashvili1, George Kandelaki, Medea Eloshvili

  • 1National Center for Diseases Control and Public Health, 9 Asatiani Str., 0177 Tbilisi, Georgia. maiabutsashvili@gmail.com

Journal of Community Health
|March 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial meningitis is a significant global health threat. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common cause in Georgia, with high mortality rates, especially for TB meningitis.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis causes significant global morbidity and mortality, especially in developing nations.
  • Surveillance data is crucial for understanding causative agents and improving outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze bacterial meningitis epidemiology in Georgia from 2006-2010.
  • To identify common pathogens and their associated mortality rates.

Main Methods:

  • Sentinel surveillance of hospitalized patients with suspected bacterial meningitis in Tbilisi, Georgia.
  • Laboratory confirmation and etiological agent identification.
  • Analysis of case fatality rates.

Main Results:

  • 127 patients (19%) had identified causative organisms.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae (52.8%) was the most frequent pathogen, followed by Haemophilus influenzae (13.4%) and Neisseria meningitidis (12.6%).
  • Tuberculosis (TB) meningitis was suspected in 21.3% of cases, with the highest mortality (22.2%).

Conclusions:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a primary cause of bacterial meningitis in Georgia.
  • High mortality rates associated with TB meningitis and Neisseria meningitidis require targeted interventions.
  • Effective surveillance is vital for controlling bacterial meningitis in vulnerable populations.

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