10 Questions
What is the most common cause of meningitis, especially in children?
Viral infections
Where is the largest burden of meningococcal meningitis observed?
Sub-Saharan Africa
What is recommended before starting antibiotics for meningococcal meningitis?
Lumbar puncture
What has contributed to the decline in total number of cases for Influenza?
Availability of vaccines
Why is it difficult to obtain reliable estimates of global meningococcal disease burden?
Inadequate surveillance
What is the main reason for the lack of reliable global estimates of meningococcal disease burden?
Inadequate surveillance and lack of diagnostics for identifying the causative agent
What is the largest burden of meningococcal disease observed?
Sub-Saharan Africa
What is the recommended action before starting antibiotics for meningococcal meningitis?
Conduct a lumbar puncture
What has contributed to the decline in total number of cases for Influenza?
Availability of vaccines
What is the most common cause of meningitis, especially in children?
Viral infections
Study Notes
Meningococcal Disease
- Global statistics show that in 1990, Neisseria meningitidis was the most common cause of meningitis, whereas in 2019, Streptococcus pneumoniae became the most common cause.
Age-specific Causative Agents
-
In adults, the most common causes of meningitis are:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Neisseria meningitidis
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Listeria monocytogenes
-
In neonates, the most common cause is Strep agalactiae, a normal flora in the vagina of pregnant women.
Change in Prevalence
- There has been a significant decrease in Haemophilus influenzae cases between 1990 and 2019.
Meningitic Belt
- The meningitic belt is a region in Africa where outbreaks of Neisseria meningitidis were common, particularly in 1990.
Current Trends
- As of 2019, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Klebsiella Pneumoniae are the most common causes of meningitis in all age groups.
Test your knowledge of global statistics on meningitis deaths by etiology and age, comparing data from 1990 to 2019. Explore the evolution of common isolates and pathogens associated with meningococcal disease, as discussed by Dr. Elpidio Demetria in LE3T1 Lecture 3: Medicine II.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
