Bacterial Meningitis in Norwegian Children 2010-2023: Low Incidence but Still a Major Threat in Neonates

Bacterial meningitis (BM) has become less frequent, partly due to national vaccination programmes, and recent data on BM in Nordic children is limited. We reviewed the incidence, aetiology, symptoms, treatment and outcomes of BM in Norwegian children.

Data were collected from electronic medical records of children under 15 diagnosed with microbiologically confirmed BM at Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, from 2010 to 2023.

We identified 40 cases of BM, of which 22 (55%) were boys. The median age was 10 days (range 0-5243). The overall annual incidence was 2.8 per 100 000. BM was most frequent in the neonatal period, with an annual incidence of 36 per 100 000 live births. BM after the neonatal period occurred in 1.1 per 100 000 per year. The most common bacteria were group B Streptococcus (50%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (18%) and Escherichia coli (18%). Altered consciousness occurred in 37 patients (93%). The combination of altered consciousness, fever and nuchal rigidity was found in three patients (8%). Long-term disabilities occurred in 15 patients (37%), and two died.

The incidence of BM in Norwegian children was low between 2010 and 2023, with neonates constituting the majority. BM still carries mortality risk and high sequelae rates.