Epidemiological analysis of meningitis incidence in the five brazilian regions from 2010 to 2019

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Meningitis is a disease caused by various etiological agents and is characterized by inflammation of the meninges, the main symptoms are fever, neck stiffness, headache, vomiting, and photophobia. It has great epidemiological importance, with high morbidity and mortality rates across all age groups. Vaccination remains one of the main forms of prevention against the disease in the country. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence rates of meningitis between 2010 and 2019, comparing the different historical series of the five Brazilian regions. METHODOLOGY: An observational study of the time series of meningitis incidence rates, stratified by Brazilian region, between 2010 and 2019, with data obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System and population estimates based on IBGE data available on DataSUS. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2019, the highest average incidence rate was in the South region (12.5 cases/100,000 inhabitants), followed by the Southeast (11.7), Northeast (5.6), Central-West (5.6), and North (4.5). The national average rate was 9.1. The incidence rate of meningitis showed a stationary trend in the North (p-value 0.881) and South (p-value 0.402) regions, while a decreasing trend was observed in the Northeast (p-value 0.008), Southeast (p-value 0.004), and Central-West (p-value <0.001) regions. CONCLUSION: There was a reduction in the national incidence rate of meningitis, particularly in the Central-West, Southeast, and Northeast regions. The highest regional rates were found in the South and Southeast throughout the analyzed period. Despite the better socioeconomic conditions in these regions, the high population density in these areas is an important factor to consider.