Bacterial Meningitis in the U.S.: An Update

Although immunization programs have reduced the incidence of this disease, the case fatality rate has not declined.

Pediatric immunization programs that include the Haemophilus influenzae type B and heptavalent protein-polysaccharide pneumococcal conjugate vaccines have substantially reduced the incidence of bacterial meningitis. Now, using data from two surveillance systems of the Emerging Infections Programs Network (Active Bacterial Core surveillance and Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network), researchers have studied trends in bacterial meningitis incidence and epidemiology in the U.S. from 1998 through 2007.

Data from eight surveillance areas (~17.4 million people) were analyzed. Bacterial meningitis was defined as the presence of H. influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, group B Streptococcus, Listeria monocytogenes, or Neisseria meningitidi…

Reviewing Author

Larry M. Baddour, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc. (Authorship duties)

Larry M. Baddour, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc. (Authorship duties)