Bacterial meningitis: Aetiology, risk factors, disease trends and severe sequelae during 50 years in Sweden.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bacterial meningitis (BM) is a rare but severe infection. Few population-based studies have characterised BM episodes and sequelae over long periods.

Methods

This was a population-based observational cohort study with national coverage, using data on aetiological pathogens, sex, premorbid conditions, steroid pretreatment, severe sequelae and birth, death and diagnosis dates collected from 10,339 patients with BM reported to the National Board of Health and Welfare in Sweden between 1964 and 2014.

Results

During the 50-year study period, the incidence of BM decreased in young children, but not in the elderly. The most common cause of BM was pneumococci (34%), followed by Haemophilus influenzae (26%), and meningococci (18%), mainly community acquired. Premorb

SUBMITTER: Block N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9544249 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature