PREVALENCE OF MENINGITIS DISEASE AMONG HIGH RISK GROUPS IN IRAQ

Dr. Alaa Habib Abdulrahman*

ABSTRACT

Background: Meningitis is a serious and widespread disease that can lead to death or permanent disability if the infection is severe or delayed. Aim: To identify the high risk groups and regions in Iraq. Method: A retrospective cross sectional study undertaken in the Statistic department of MOH in Baghdad, Iraq. Information regarding vaccination and history of contact with a case of meningitis was obtained. Detailed clinical examination was done. Statistical analysis was done by using the software package for social studies (SPSS) version 19. The categorical variables were presented as number and percentage. Result: A total of 2046, the highest percentage of cases (50.2%) still in the age groups less than 10 years, male cases (58.6%) were higher than female cases (41.4%). (49.9%) of cases had viral types, followed by (46.2%) had bacterial type. rate of meningitis was higher in Kerbela province 3.08, followed by Wasit province 2.23 and in Baghdad was 1.4 and was less in Al-Anbar 0.01. Conclusion: The majority of cases were under age less than 10 years; viral disease is common type, the rate of disease was higher among south region in Iraq. Protection of high-risk groups (such as those with complement deficiencies, laboratory workers, migrants and refugees) is recommended.

Keywords: Meningitis, Age, Viral, Gender, Rate.