Print version ISSN 0042-9686 Bull World Health Organ vol.80 n.9
Genebra Sep. 2002 OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of
meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) among
children in Bulgaria and to provide evidence for an informed
decision on the use of Hib vaccines in Bulgaria. METHODS: From 1
July 1997 to 31 December 1999, active surveillance for
meningitis was conducted in six regions. For children with
suspected meningitis, a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimen was
sent for cytology, chemistry, latex agglutination testing,
culture and sensitivity. FINDINGS: During the 2.5-year study
period, surveillance was conducted among 138 249 children aged
<5 years a sample representing 40% of all Bulgarian children in
this age group. Overall, 285 children with suspected meningitis
were identified. In eight children, clinical symptoms of
meningitis resolved rapidly before a CSF specimen could be
obtained. Of the remaining 277 children, 121 (44%) were
classified as having probable bacterial meningitis on t