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Morbidity and mortality of bacterial meningitis in Arab children

A A Shaltout1, L T Auger, N B Awadallah

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kuwait.

The Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|December 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial meningitis in Kuwaiti children was primarily caused by Haemophilus influenzae. While overall fatality was low, Streptococcus pneumoniae infections led to more severe neurological complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis remains a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally.
  • Understanding the etiological agents and outcomes of bacterial meningitis is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiological characteristics, causative agents, and clinical outcomes of bacterial meningitis in children treated in Kuwait.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 92 episodes of bacterial meningitis in 90 children treated between September 1981 and March 1987.
  • Bacteriological confirmation of diagnosis and identification of causative organisms.
  • Assessment of case fatality rates and neurological sequelae.

Main Results:

  • Haemophilus influenzae was the most frequent pathogen (45.6%), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (22.8%).
  • The majority of cases (88%) occurred in children under 5 years of age.
  • The overall case fatality rate was 5.4%, with 9% experiencing severe neurological sequelae, which were more common after pneumococcal meningitis.

Conclusions:

  • Haemophilus influenzae is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in Kuwaiti children.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce mortality and long-term neurological deficits.
  • Further research into prevention strategies, such as vaccination, is warranted.

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