Evidence-based On-call

Meningitis

Prevalence
Causes
Clinical features
Differential Diagnosis
Investigations
Therapy
Prevention
Prognosis

Prevalence

Most cases of bacterial meningitis occur out of hospital. ^b

It is uncommon in patients undergoing 'routine' lumbar puncture. ^b

Secondary cases are uncommon.

Note:

60% of cases of bacterial meningitis are community-acquired. (62%: 95% CI: 57% to 66%) ^c
One in twenty patients undergoing lumbar puncture have a bacterial meningitis. (4.8%: 95% CI: 3.4% to 6.1%) ^b
One in twenty cases of meningococcal disease are due to secondary spread (4.8%: 95% CI: 3.2% to 6.5%) ^b