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Epidemiology of bacterial meningitis

H M Fortnum1, A C Davis

  • 1MRC Institute of Hearing Research, Nottingham University.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|June 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial meningitis incidence in children increased significantly from 1980 to 1989, primarily due to rising meningococcal infections. Mortality rates varied by age, with younger children facing higher risks, though overall mortality decreased for non-Neisseria and non-Haemophilus infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Bacteriology

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis remains a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality.
  • Understanding incidence and mortality trends is crucial for public health interventions.
  • Age-specific incidence and mortality patterns require detailed analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the 10-year incidence and mortality trends of bacterial meningitis in children (0-16 years).
  • To investigate age-specific incidence and mortality rates.
  • To explore the relationship between meningitis type, year of infection, and mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study analyzing all bacterial meningitis cases in Nottingham District Health Authority.
  • Data collected over a 10-year period (1980-1989).
  • Calculation of annual incidence and mortality rates per 100,000 children, stratified by age group.

Main Results:

  • Overall annual incidence increased from 9.6 to 24.3 per 100,000 children.
  • Highest incidence observed in infants (1-11 months) at 115.5/100,000.
  • Mortality rates were highest in neonates (0-28 days) at 10.1/100,000, with overall mortality decreasing for infections not caused by Neisseria meningitidis or Haemophilus influenzae.

Conclusions:

  • A significant rise in childhood bacterial meningitis incidence occurred during the study period, driven by meningococcal infections.
  • Age is a critical factor influencing both incidence and mortality risk.
  • Interactions between pathogen type and year of infection impact mortality, with a positive trend for non-Neisseria/Haemophilus infections.

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