The epidemiology of bacterial meningitis in Kosovo

Authors

  • Sadie Avdiu Namani University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK), Kosovo
  • Remzie A Koci University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK), Kosovo
  • Emine Qehaja-Buçaj University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK), Kosovo
  • Lindita Ajazaj-Berisha University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK), Kosovo
  • Murat Mehmeti University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK), Kosovo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.3553

Keywords:

bacterial meningitis, neurological complications, outcomes, epidemiology

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to present the epidemiologic features of bacterial meningitis in the developing country of Kosovo.

Methodology: Data were collected from active surveillance of bacterial meningitis cases treated at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo in the years 2000 (first post-war year) and 2010.

Results: Meningitis cases in 2000 compared with 2010 showed a 35.5% decline in incidence (from 4.8 to 3.1 cases per 100,000 population) and a decrease in the case fatality rate from 10% to 5%. In children, there was a lower mortality rate (5% versus 2%) and a lower incidence of neurological complications (13% versus 16%) as compared to adults (32% versus 10% and 16% versus 35%, respectively). Neisseria meningitidis was the most common pathogen of bacterial meningitis in both study periods. Bacterial meningitis was most prevalent in the pediatric population, and showed an increase in the median age, from three years in 2000 to seven years in 2010. A steady number of bacterial meningitis cases in adults throughout last decade (around 20 cases per year) was recorded.

Conclusions: During the last decade, gradual changes have been observed in the epidemiology of bacterial meningitis that are unrelated to the introduction of new vaccines, but are partly due to the improvement of living conditions.

Author Biographies

Sadie Avdiu Namani, University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK), Kosovo

Infectious diseases clinic, chief of ward, Uiniversity Clinical Center of Kosovo

Remzie A Koci, University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK), Kosovo

Chief of Emergency Room, Pediatric Clinic

Emine Qehaja-Buçaj, University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK), Kosovo

Mr Sci, Chief of addmission room, Infections Diseases Clinic

Lindita Ajazaj-Berisha, University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK), Kosovo

Infectious diseases specialist, Mr Sci

Murat Mehmeti, University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK), Kosovo

Infectious diseases clinic, ward F, Infectious diseases clinic

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Published

2014-07-14

How to Cite

1.
Namani SA, Koci RA, Qehaja-Buçaj E, Ajazaj-Berisha L, Mehmeti M (2014) The epidemiology of bacterial meningitis in Kosovo. J Infect Dev Ctries 8:823–830. doi: 10.3855/jidc.3553

Issue

Section

Original Articles