Abstract
Several studies published within the past 20 years have reported an increase in the incidence of HIB meningitis. We sought to investigate whether there was evidence of a recent increase in metropolitan Baltimore. Cases of HIB meningitis occurring in children aged 0-5 years residing in Baltimore City & County were identified through: (1) medical records bearing the discharge diagnosis of meningitis or sepsis and (2) laboratory reports of positive blood or CSF cultures of HIB. The survey included all 19 hospitals in Baltimore City & County, plus an additional 41 hospitals surrounding this area. The study period was Jan. 1965 - Dec. 1975. A case was included if there was (a) CSF pleocytosis and isolation of HIB from blood or (b) CSF culture was positive for HIB. These criteria were met by 253 patients. Age adjusted incidence rates were calculated per 100,000 population at risk using the Baltimore City & County census data with appropriate adjustments for changing distribution of age.
There was no difference in incidence rates between blacks and whites or between males and females. In contrast to most previously published studies, we failed to document any increase in incidence of HIB meningitis. Important factors explaining this difference include the timing, geographical location and methodology of the study. *Attack rate per 100,000 at risk.
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Santoshem, M., Kallman, C., Moxon, E. et al. 812 ABSENCE OF INCREASING INCIDENCE OF H. INFLUENZAE B (HIB) MENINGITIS IN BALTIMORE (1965 – 1975). Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 499 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00817
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00817