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Post-endemic acute bacterial meningitis in Sudanese children

A A Ahmed1, M A Salih, H S Ahmed

  • 1University Paediatric Wards, Khartoum Teaching Hospital, Sudan.

East African Medical Journal
|August 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

This study tracked childhood bacterial meningitis in Khartoum post-Neisseria meningitidis epidemic. Haemophilus influenzae and meningococcal meningitis were most common, with a high fatality rate linked to severe symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Childhood acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) surveillance is crucial, especially following major epidemics.
  • Understanding causative agents and outcomes post-epidemic informs public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological features of childhood ABM in Khartoum.
  • To assess the impact of a recent Neisseria meningitidis epidemic on meningitis patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective enrollment of 125 children (1 month-14 years) with suspected meningitis/meningoencephalitis.
  • Diagnosis using direct microscopy, culture, and ELISA assay.
  • Molecular analysis of Neisseria meningitidis strains.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial meningitis diagnosed in 56 children; Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis were most common (38% each), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (23%).
  • A relative decrease in Haemophilus influenzae and an increase in Neisseria meningitidis were observed post-epidemic.
  • The case fatality rate was 28.6%, higher than endemic periods, with low blood pressure, hyperpyrexia, and coma correlating with fatal outcomes.
  • Prevalent Neisseria meningitidis clone III-I (serogroup A) was identified.

Conclusions:

  • Neisseria meningitidis remains a significant cause of childhood bacterial meningitis post-epidemic.
  • Severe clinical indicators predict poor outcomes in childhood bacterial meningitis.
  • Continued surveillance is essential for managing bacterial meningitis in post-epidemic settings.

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