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Epidemiological characterization of bacterial meningitis and its relationship with the Human Development Index in Ecuador

Abstract:

Introduction: Bacterial meningitis consists of bacterial infection of the subarachnoid space. Recent studies have determined a higher incidence of the disease in poor regions of the planet. Objectives: Characterize cases of Bacterial meningitis in Ecuador during the period 2017 – 2022 and determine the relationship between subnational incidence and mortality of Bacterial meningitis with the subnational Human Development Index (HDI-c). Method: Ecological design. Bacterial meningitis cases were identified by analyzing information from the Ecuadorian passive epidemiological surveillance system; the incidence was determined in children under 5 years of age and in all ages by aggregating the cases by their usual canton of residence. The HDI-c was taken from state repositories. The estimate between incidence and mortality of MB and HDI-c was evaluated using the Spearman and Moran bivariate tests. Results: 1 517 cases of bacterial meningitis were identified (fatality: 12.5%). There were no differences between both sexes in the area of residence, lethality and isolated pathogen (p > 0,05). Nationally, the incidence and mortality per 100 000 inhabitants were 1,89 and 0,18 cases respectively. No spatial autocorrelation was identified in subnational bacterial meningitis incidence and mortality. No evaluation was identified between the subnational incidence and mortality of MB with HDI – c (p > 0,05). Conclusions: The male sex in Ecuador has higher incidence and mortality rates due to bacterial meningitis compared to the female sex. The variation in the HDI-c is not related to the subnational incidence and mortality due to bacterial meningitis in Ecuador.