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In United States, the rate of bacterial meningitis has declined dramatically with the introduction of vaccines for both Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Over the last two decades, the epidemiology of bacterial meningitis has consequently changed with decreased cases among young individuals but a larger burden among the older adults (median age of patients has increased from 30.3 to 41.9 years).2,5 In third world countries that lack effective vaccination programs, the incidence and case fatality rate of bacterial meningitis remain elevated.5,6,7
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Studies on meningitis during pregnancy have been limited to case reports, case series, and one nationwide confidential enquiry.1,8–24 The only available estimated incidence is 0.5 cases of pneumococcal meningitis per 100,000 successful pregnancies reported in a study from the Netherlands.7 Based on the review of these case reports and case series, the overall maternal mortality rate may be as high as 32% and the fetal loss rate 27%.
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Pathogenesis, Risk Factors, and Microbiology
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Central nervous system (CNS) infections are classified based on the site of infection: encephalitis—infection of cerebral cortex; meningitis—infection of meninges (pia mater, arachnoid, and dura mater); brain abscess—cerebral cortex; subdural abscess—between dura and arachnoid layers; and epidural abscess—immediately above the dura.25 The tight junctions in the CNS capillaries form a limited permeable barrier (blood-brain barrier) that protects the CNS from invading pathogens and toxic substances. However, it also prevents entry of immunoglobulins, complement, and antibiotics, thereby limiting the host’s initial immune defense mechanism allowing the rapid progression of CNS infections. Table 3-1 shows the pathophysiological time line of bacterial meningitis.26
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