Journal of infection in developing countries
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J Infect Dev Ctries · Apr 2008
Acute bacterial meningitis among children < 5 years of age in Oman: a retrospective study during 2000-2005.
During the last two decades, significant changes have taken place in the epidemiology of meningitis, especially due to the global availability and expanding use of Hib vaccines. The introduction of conjugate Hib vaccine in the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) in Oman and recent availability of meningococcal vaccines against serogroups A and C plus the introduction of pneumococcal heptavalent conjugate vaccine are expected to influence the epidemiology of the disease in the country. We conducted this periodic review of acute bacterial meningitis in children younger than five years of age in Oman from January 2000 to December 2005 to reflect changes in the epidemiological pattern of these pathogens. ⋯ With the introduction of Hib vaccine in Oman in October 2001, the absolute number of cases due to Haemophilus influenzae significantly declined over the years. The incidence of meningitis due to other pathogens such as S. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis remains steady. There is significant need to improve laboratory methods of bacterial detection and identification, which will help to formulate better antibiotic policies and strengthen control measures through newly introduced vaccines in Oman.