EPIDEMIOLOGIC FEATURES OF BACTERIAL-MENIN GITIS IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN

One million meningitis eases occur every year over the world: the inci dence rate reaches 20/100000. Developing countries have the highest in cidence and mortality rate; average mortality is 20%:less than 10% in developed countries; it can reach over 50% in some places, Sequela, es pecially deafness, are estimated at over 5%. In endemic regions H. inf luenzae (20 to 40% of the isolates) is one of the most common agent in children under 5 years of age, pneumococcus (15 to 30%) affects infan ts and elderly people; meningococcus is widespread, especially among y oung adults. Incidence varies a lot according to preexisting condition s, ethnic and social characteristics, seasons and regions. Meningococc us A and C strains are responsible for large epidemics in tropical cou ntries and some outbreaks in mild climate countries. Third generation cephalosporins are now being used because an increasing number of H. i nfluenzae strains are resistant to ampicillin. The high prevalence of beta-lactamin resistant pneumococcus is quite preoccupying. Hib vaccin ation in some developed countries is very promising and modifies the e pidemiology of meningitis in children. Meningitis prevention is a good reason to develop vaccination programs. Improving data collection on meningitis and determining groups at risk would be useful for preventi on policies.