Epidemiology of pediatric meningitis in Qatar

Abstract EN

During the period January 1993 to December 1995 eighty five children in Qatar were diagnosed with meningitis.

Ages ranged from I month to 13 years with 30% below the age of one year.

The annual incidence was 22 per 100.OIK) children with more males than females affected (ratio 3:1).

The cause of the meningitis was bacterial in 21% of cases and aseptic in 79%.

Bacterial isolates were II.

Influenza and Streptococcus pneumonia.

56% and 44% respectively.

Seventy per cent of the bacterial meningitis patients were below one year of age.

Seizures occurred in 33% of bacterial meningitis cases and 6% of the aseptic meningitis category.

Amongst the bacterial cases 17% had altered consciousness, 11% had increased head < ircumference and 5.5% had hemiplegia.

There were no fatalities.