Bacterial Agents Associated with Seasonal Meningitis in Ebonyi State,Nigeria

Abstract

Seasonal bacterial meningitis has been a regular occurrence in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. In a prospective study of 45 children of both sexes, aged 0 to 17yr (mean 12.5 + 1.5yr), infected with bacterial meningitis, in whom appropriate specimens were collected, examined and analyzed in order to identify the predominant bacterial causative organisms. Results showed that the incidence of bacterial meningitis occurred during the hot weater (Dec-Feb) yearly, and the predominant bacterial isolates were in the order Neisseria meningitides (51.5%) Streptococcus peumoniae (21.2%), Escherichia coli (13..6%), Haemophilus influenzae (7.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (6.1%). Furthermore, there were incidence of multiple infections. The seasonality of bacterial meningitis in Ebonyi State is confirmed and measures such as personal hygiene and environmental factors to forestall its re occurrences are highlighted.

Keywords: Bacterial, seasonal meningitis, Ebonyi Sequelae.