Epidemiological profile of acute bacterial meningitis in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2010 Jul-Aug;43(4):455-7. doi: 10.1590/s0037-86822010000400023.

Abstract

Introduction: Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) remains a public health problem in Brazil. To evaluate the epidemiology of ABM cases at Giselda Trigueiro Hospital, Rio Grande do Norte, a descriptive retrospective survey was conducted covering 2005 to 2008.

Methods: Clinical and laboratory data were collected from the epidemiology department of the hospital and analyzed.

Results: Out of 168 ABM cases, 24.4%, 10.7%, and 2.4% were, respectively, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenza b, and 5.4% by other bacteria. The mean age was 22.48 +/- 18.7 years old.

Conclusions: Streptococcus pneumoniae was the main causative pathogen in the young urban population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / epidemiology*
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / microbiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult