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

• Author(s): Silva,Wallace Andrino da ; Pinheiro,Aline Macêdo ; Coutinho,Leonam Gomes ; Marinho,Luis Alberto Carneiro ; Lima,Lucymara Fassarella Agnez
• Date: 2010
• Origin: Oasisbr
• Subject(s): Bacterial meningitis; Epidemiology; Brazil
• Document Type: Journal article
• Language: English

Description

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.