Volume 22, Issue 1 (Vol.22, No.1, Spring 2026)
Iran J Epidemiol. 2026, 22(1): 16-27 |
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Beik Mirza A, Zahraei S M, Azimian Zavareh F, Fotouhi A. Epidemiological Trends, Clinical, and Laboratory Patterns of Meningitis Cases in Iran (2013-2023). Iran J Epidemiol. 2026; 22 (1) :16-27
URL: http://irje.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7497-en.html
URL: http://irje.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7497-en.html
1- MPH, School of Public Health & Institute of Public Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Professor of Infectious Diseases, Head of the Department of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
3- MSc in Vector Control, Department of Vaccine - Preventable Diseases, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
4- Professor of Epidemiology, School of Public Health & Institute of Public Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,afotouhi@tums.ac.ir
2- Professor of Infectious Diseases, Head of the Department of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
3- MSc in Vector Control, Department of Vaccine - Preventable Diseases, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
4- Professor of Epidemiology, School of Public Health & Institute of Public Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,
Abstract: (276 Views)
Background and Objectives: Meningitis is an inflammatory disease of the meninges and spinal cord. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological trends and clinical-laboratory patterns of meningitis in Iran.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study used meningitis surveillance data from the Iranian Ministry of Health portal (2013–2023), analyzed with SPSS-27 using chi-square and logistic regression.
Results: of 78181 suspected cases of meningitis 3.1% were confirmed as definitive cases (positive blood/CSF culture or PCR) over the study period. The highest number of confirmed cases was in children under five years. Geographically, most cases were in Isfahan (15.6%) and Tehran (13.2%) provinces, while Semnan (0.29%) reported the fewest. Peak incidence occurred in spring, with fever, headache, vomiting, and neck stiffness as common symptoms. The annual proportion of confirmed cases ranged from 3.4% to 13.8% (highest in 2014, lowest in 2021). Etiological agents among confirmed cases included Streptococcus pneumoniae (16.4%), viral agents (13.1%), Neisseria meningitidis (9.1%), Haemophilus influenzae type b (3.7%), and other pathogens (57.7%). Outcomes were recovery (42.1%), death (6.6%), ongoing treatment (46.1%), and unknown (5.2%). Multivariable logistic regression showed that older age significantly increased the likelihood of definitive diagnosis (OR=1.158; 95%CI:1.001–1.339), as did bacterial meningitis versus viral meningitis (OR=1.671; 95%CI:1.514–1.844). Sex and place of residence were not significant.
Conclusion: Meningitis remains a major public health challenge. Strengthening surveillance systems, early diagnosis, and preventive strategies are essential.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study used meningitis surveillance data from the Iranian Ministry of Health portal (2013–2023), analyzed with SPSS-27 using chi-square and logistic regression.
Results: of 78181 suspected cases of meningitis 3.1% were confirmed as definitive cases (positive blood/CSF culture or PCR) over the study period. The highest number of confirmed cases was in children under five years. Geographically, most cases were in Isfahan (15.6%) and Tehran (13.2%) provinces, while Semnan (0.29%) reported the fewest. Peak incidence occurred in spring, with fever, headache, vomiting, and neck stiffness as common symptoms. The annual proportion of confirmed cases ranged from 3.4% to 13.8% (highest in 2014, lowest in 2021). Etiological agents among confirmed cases included Streptococcus pneumoniae (16.4%), viral agents (13.1%), Neisseria meningitidis (9.1%), Haemophilus influenzae type b (3.7%), and other pathogens (57.7%). Outcomes were recovery (42.1%), death (6.6%), ongoing treatment (46.1%), and unknown (5.2%). Multivariable logistic regression showed that older age significantly increased the likelihood of definitive diagnosis (OR=1.158; 95%CI:1.001–1.339), as did bacterial meningitis versus viral meningitis (OR=1.671; 95%CI:1.514–1.844). Sex and place of residence were not significant.
Conclusion: Meningitis remains a major public health challenge. Strengthening surveillance systems, early diagnosis, and preventive strategies are essential.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Epidemiology
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