Meningitis contributes to higher child mortality rates than estimated by the WHO, according to a new study by the CHAMPS network and led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal). The study, published in the Journal of Infection , reveals a high prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria in hospital cases, highlighting the need for earlier suspicion and faster diagnosis and appropriate treatment to reduce mortality. Meningitis remains a serious condition, especially for young children , with high death rates and lasting neurological effects in survivors.
Vaccines can protect against the most common types of meningitis-causing bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis. Yet, reaching the World Health Organization's (WHO) goal to eliminate meningitis by 2030 requires a clearer understanding of the global impact of this disease and the specific pathogens involved. "Meningitis poses a diagnostic challenge due to its non-specific symptoms, which often resemble those of other serious illnesses," explains senior author Quique Bassat, ICREA researcher and General Director at ISGlobal.
"Identifying the specific pathogens behind meningitis cases would allow us to make a better use of resources and guide the development of new highly-awaited vaccines." The study draws on data from the CHAMPS network, which is conducting an in-depth investigation into causes of childhood deaths in seven countries: Bangladesh, Ethio.