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[Acute encephalitis and bacterial meningitis in children in Aichi Prefecture (1984-1993)]
M Kuriki1, N Fujihra, S Hasegawa
1Environmental Sanitation Division, Department of Health, Aichi Prefecture.
Insights
This study analyzed acute encephalitis and bacterial meningitis in children from 1984-1993 in Aichi prefecture. Viral and bacterial pathogens were identified, with age distribution and seasonal patterns noted for prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Epidemiology
- Virology and Bacteriology
Context:
- Acute encephalitis and bacterial meningitis pose significant threats to infant and child health.
- Aichi prefecture, Japan, experienced a notable incidence of these diseases between 1984 and 1993.
- Understanding etiological agents and demographic patterns is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose:
- To survey the incidence, etiological causes, and demographic characteristics of acute encephalitis and bacterial meningitis in children.
- To identify the most prevalent viral and bacterial pathogens responsible for these conditions.
- To analyze age distribution and seasonal trends to inform preventive strategies.
Summary:
- A decade-long survey (1984-1993) of 63 hospitals in Aichi prefecture identified 391 cases of acute encephalitis and 328 of bacterial meningitis.
- Etiological causes were confirmed in 38.7% of encephalitis (rubella, measles, herpes simplex, varicella-zoster viruses) and 82.9% of meningitis (H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, Group B Streptococcus, E. coli) cases.
- Both diseases predominantly affected children under four, with specific age distributions and clear links to causal infection prevalence.
Impact:
- The findings highlight the need for targeted preventive measures based on identified pathogens and epidemiological patterns.
- This research provides a foundation for developing effective public health policies to reduce the burden of pediatric encephalitis and meningitis.
- Understanding disease seasonality and age-specific risks can optimize vaccination and early intervention programs.
Abstract:
A survey was performed of acute encephalitis and bacterial meningitis in infancy and childhood from 1984 to 1993 using a questionnaire directed to departments of pediatrics in large hospitals in Aichi prefecture. The case records for 391 patients with acute encephalitis including related diseases and 328 patients with bacterial meningitis were obtained from 63 hospitals. Of 391 patients with acute encephalitis, 224 were male and 167 were female. Of 328 patients with bacterial meningitis, 200 were male and 128 were female. Sex ratio were 1.3, 1.6 respectively. Of the patients, 52.4% of encephalitis and 84.8% of meningitis were under 4 years of age and 0 year olds made up 53.7% of the latter. The causes of these diseases were confirmed in 38.7% and 82.9% of the encephalitis and meningitis patients, respectively, etiologically. In encephalitis, rubella virus was the most frequent with 29 cases, followed by measles virus (27 cases), herpes simplex virus (24) and varicella-zostervirus (19). In meningitis H. influenzae (95 cases), S. pneumoniae (56), Group B streptococcus (41) and E. coli (27) were frequently diagnosed. These diseases showed respective patterns of age distribution and clinical course, and moreover, the increases in their onset were clearly related to the prevalence of causal infections. Therefore, the results of this study should be utilized in the development of administrative measures for prevention of these diseases.