EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ENCEPHALITIS IN CHILDREN - A PROSPECTIVE MULTICENTER STUDY

We found 175 cases with acute encephalitis in a population of 791,712 children aged 1 month - 15 years during a 2-year surveillance period i n 1993-1994. The overall incidence was 10.5/100,000 child-years with t he highest figure in children < 1 year of age, 18.4/100 000 child-year s. The microbial diagnosis was considered proven or suggested in 110 c ases (63%); varicella tester, respiratory and enteroviruses comprised 61% of these, and adeno, Epstein Barr-, herpes simplex and rota viruse s comprised 5% each. A clearcut change seems to have occurred in the a etiology of encephalitis. Mumps, measles, and rubella virus associated encephalitides have been almost eliminated. Varicella tester, respira tory, and enteroviruses have increased in frequency and occur in young er age groups. New causes were identified, especially Chlamydia pneumo niae and HHV-6. Our data should assist in making a specific diagnosis and defining appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Conclusion The spectru m of encephalitis in children has changed due to vaccination programs. The incidence, however, appears to be about the same due to increasin g frequency of other associated old and new microbes.