Bacterial meningitis epidemiology and demographics

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aysha Anwar, M.B.B.S [2]

Overview

Age

The frequency of different causative agents causing bacterial meningitis varies with different age groups
There is increased incidence of bacterial meningitis with increasing age
In USA, the incidence rate is 0.66 cases per 100, 000 in age groups from 18 to 34 years compared to 1.92 cases per 100, 000 in age group >65 years of age.^[1]
The case fatality rate in USA in age group 18-34 years of age is 16.4 percent compared to 22.7 percent in individuals >65 years of age

Race
Gender
Geographical distribution

The frequency of different bacterial causes of meningitis may vary in different parts of the world.
Meningococcal meningitis is commonest cause of meningitis epidemic in developing world. However, it is relatively uncommon cause of meningitis in USA and Europe.

↑ Thigpen MC, Whitney CG, Messonnier NE, Zell ER, Lynfield R, Hadler JL; et al. (2011). "Bacterial meningitis in the United States, 1998-2007". N Engl J Med. 364 (21): 2016–25. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1005384. PMID 21612470.