ABSTRACT
Bacterial meningitis is more common in childhood. The peak incidence of about 1:1000 occurs in children under 1 year of age. The likely causative organism depends upon the age group. Group B streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae), K1 capsulate Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes are the commonest organisms in neonates. In older children bacterial meningitis is usually caused by Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). The incidence of Haemophilus influenzae meningitis has declined by more than 99% in countries that have adopted universal immunisation using an effective conjugated vaccine against this organism.
