Epidemiology of Meningitis in Infants and Children in the Pediatric Hospitals, Kenitra (Morocco), 2018–2021

Abstract

Background: Meningitis is a public health medical emergency. It is a health problem in Morocco. Aim: This study was to determine the epidemiological, cytochemical, and bacteriological profile of this disease and the lethality by type of meningitis in patient children in the Northwest region of Morocco. Methods: The present investigation is a cross-epidemiological, cytochemical, and bacteriological study of meningitis. The target population was cases of all forms of meningitis recorded in children under the age of 15 hospitalized in the pediatric department of Al Idrissi Hospital during the period (2018–2021). Data were collected from meningitis declaration forms. Results: About 100 cases were included in the study, with an average cumulative incidence of all forms of meningitis during the study period of 24.34 per 100,000 children living in the province of Kenitra. There was a male predominance in all types of meningitis, with 68% males in total. In addition, (22%) infants aged <1 year. Fevers, neck stiffness, purpura, and photophobia were significantly associated with meningitis in infants (1 to 15 years) (p<0.05). The febrile meningeal syndrome was observed in 57% of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and was cloudy in 50.5% of cases. The median leukocyte count was 280 mm3. Mean glycorachia was 0.47 g/l (±0.23 g/l) and mean proteinorachia was 1.23 g/l (±1.35 g/l). Bacterial meningitis was the most common type of meningitis observed, followed by the occurrence of lymphocytic meningitis and confirmed meningococcal disease. Overall, an 11% mortality rate was found. Conclusion: Meningitis is a real health problem in the area of Kenitra, particularly in children, requiring the effective involvement of all health personnel and the community in control actions, the allocation of necessary resources, and regular monitoring of the measures taken.