Trends in Meningococcal Meningitis Over the Past Twelve Years at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. 1992-2003

Aim: To determine the trends in the occurrence of meningococcal meningitis at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu, Nigeria, as well as the antibiotic sensitivity pattern. Materials and Methods: The results of all cerebrospinal fluid samples received by the microbiology laboratory (UNTH), Enugu between 1st January 1992 and 31st December 2003 were analysed. The case records of the patients were also analysed. Results: Forty – five cases of meningococcal meningitis were studied. From 1992 – 1995, a total of 32 cases, that is an average of 8 cases per year were recorded. Between 1996 and 1997 the numbers started to decrease, with a total of 7 cases for the two years, that is an average of 3.55 cases per year. Between 1998 and 2003, a very remarkable decrease in the number of cases was recorded, with an average of 1 case per year. Sixteen cases (35.56%) occurred in the 0 – 1 year age group. More cases occurred between October and March, that is the dry season months in Nigeria. Mortality was high 13.3% and Neissena Meningitides was completely resistant to sulphonamides and cotrimoxazole. Conclusion: A trend in the decrease of meningococcal meningitis was observed starting from 1996. This is most likely due to the regular availability of meningococcal vaccine coupled with the fact that most of the patients would have used antibiotics before coming to hospital, thus making isolation of the organism difficult Key words: Meningococcal Meningitis; Trends; Past 12 Years; UNTH. Journal of College of Medicine Vol.10(1) 2005: 15-17