Surveillance of Pneumococcal Meningitis among Children in Sindh, Southern Pakistan

Background. Information about the burden of invasive pneumococcal disease among children in Pakistan is limited. Methods. Surveillance of bacterial meningitis among children aged 30 pediatric admissions weekly, (2) skilled personnel to perform lumbar punctures, and (3) close proximity to an Aga Khan University Hospital laboratory collection point. Results. A total of 2690 children were admitted to the hospital with suspected acute bacterial meningitis, and 2646 (98%) underwent lumbar puncture. Of the 2646 cerebrospinal fluid specimens obtained, 412 (16%) were purulent, and pathogens were detected by culture or latex agglutination testing in 83 (20.1%) of the purulent specimens. Of the 83 isolates detected, 48 (57.8%) were Haemophilus influenzae type b, 32 (38.5%) were Streptococcus pneumoniae , and 3 (3.6%) were Neisseria meningiditis . Overall, 81% of the pathogens detected were from children aged