Brain abscess epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Overview

There has been a remarkable shift in the epidemiology of brain abscesses over the past several years. Traditionally, and still the case in underdeveloped countries, most brain abscesses are due to un/under-treated otitis and sinusitis. More recently, especially in the U.S., more cases are being seen in immunocompromised patients.

Epidemiology and Demographics

The prevalence of brain abscesses:

• Accounts for approximately 1 in 10,000 hospital admissions.
• Is seen in 0.18 – 1.3 % of autopsies.
• Is present in a 1.5:2.1 ration in males to females.
• Displays a bimodal age distribution of 25% of cases
  • In children less than 15 years of age (a mean of 4-7 years).
  • In adults peaking at 30-50 years of age.