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Epidemiology and Trends of Infective Meningitis in Neonates and Infants Less than 3 Months Old in Hong Kong

Chi Hang Wong1, Jaime Rosa Duque2, Joshua Sung Chih Wong3

  • 1Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
|July 4, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Bacterial meningitis in infants has declined in Hong Kong, primarily due to universal Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP). However, antibiotic resistance in pathogens like E. coli remains a concern.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Neonatal and infant meningitis causes substantial global morbidity and mortality.
  • Understanding causative pathogens and resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate pathogens, antibiotic resistance, and incidence trends of meningitis in neonates and young infants in Hong Kong.
  • To evaluate the impact of public health interventions on meningitis rates.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 200 meningitis cases in infants (<3 months) across three Hong Kong hospitals (2004-2019).
  • Analysis of pathogen identification and antibiotic resistance profiles.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial meningitis accounted for 67% of cases, with Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) as primary pathogens.
  • Early-onset GBS meningitis rates declined post-2012 universal GBS screening and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP).
  • Significant ampicillin and/or gentamicin resistance observed in E. coli isolates.

Conclusions:

  • GBS and E. coli are leading causes of bacterial meningitis in young infants.
  • The decline in early-onset GBS meningitis is linked to screening and IAP, contributing to an overall decrease in bacterial meningitis incidence.
  • Antimicrobial resistance in meningitis pathogens warrants continued clinical and public health focus.
Keywords:
Antimicrobial resistanceBacteriaInfantsMeningitisNeonates

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