In a new national survey, results show that vaccination against bacterial meningitis-causing bacteria has slashed incidence of the deadly brain inflammation. Vaccinations given to children are in fact also squelching the ailment in parents and adults in general. Cases in the United States have fallen by 31% from 1998 to 2007 based on data from 17 million Americans.
The authors of the survey analysis estimate that 4,100 cases of bacterial meningitis occur annually in the United States.
Two major vaccines are responsible for this decline. First there is Hib that is used to battle Haemophilus influenzae type B, and also PCV that combats Streptococcus pneumonia.
Matthew Davis, a pediatrician at the University of Michigan Medical School confirms:
“For people taking care of kids since the 1980s, the world of meningitis has completely changed in the United States, and it’s because of two vaccines.”
The PCV vaccine has seen the best results by being responsible for 26% decrease of meningitis between 1998 and 2007. A recently approved version of the vaccine will reduce cases further by broadening coverage to 13 strains of the bacterium, scientists say.
A third vaccine, aimed at another meningitis bacterium, Neisseria meningitidis, was also approved in recent years. Called the meningococcal vaccine, it is commonly given at the start of adolescence and as a booster for college freshmen.
Research also shows that giving these vaccines to kids has also limited meningitis outbreaks among adults, who are now less likely to catch the microbes from youngsters.
The fatality rate for bacterial meningitis in the nationwide sampling remained around 15%. Even wiping out the bacteria with antibiotics doesn’t rescue some patients if inflammation has already caused chemical imbalances, intracranial pressure and nervous system dysfunction.
Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial, and is less likely to be fatal unless a person has a weakened immune system. Viral meningitis can stem from infections with enteroviruses, which include polio and coxsackie viruses, or other common viruses.
High fever, headache, and stiff neck are common symptoms of meningitis in anyone over the age of 2 years. These symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take 1 to 2 days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion, and sleepiness.
In newborns and small infants, the classic symptoms of fever, headache, and neck stiffness may be absent or difficult to detect. Infants with meningitis may appear slow or inactive, have vomiting, be irritable, or be feeding poorly. As the disease progresses, patients of any age may have seizures.
Early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis are very important. If symptoms occur, the patient should see a doctor immediately. The diagnosis is usually made by growing bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid. The spinal fluid is obtained by performing a spinal tap, in which a needle is inserted into an area in the lower back where fluid in the spinal canal can be collected. Identification of the type of bacteria responsible is important for selection of correct antibiotics.
Sources: The New England Journal of Medicine and
Written by Sy Kraft