Changing Epidemiology of Bacterial Meningitis Since Introduction of Conjugate Vaccines: 3 Decades of National Meningitis Surveillance in The Netherlands

Abstract Background The epidemiology of acute bacterial meningitis has changed substantially since the introduction of conjugate vaccines. Methods We analyzed nationwide surveillance data of all cerebrospinal fluid isolates received by the Netherlands Reference Laboratory for Bacterial Meningitis in the Netherlands. We assessed the impact of conjugate vaccines on incidence (defined as episodes per 100 000 population per year) and for different age groups using incidence rate ratios (IRRs), comparing incidence before and after conjugate vaccine introduction. Results We analyzed 17 393 episodes,... Mehr ...