PNEUMOCOCCAL MENINGITIS: EPIDEMIOLOGY, PATHOGENESIS AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES — A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Pneumococcal meningitis is a severe bacterial infection of the central nervous system associated with mortality and persistent neurological sequelae. This article aims to analyze evidence concerning the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and prevention strategies of meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. This narrative review draws on foundational and current biomedical publications and public health technical documents, prioritizing literature from 2019 to October 2026. Available evidence describes uneven disease burden across countries and age groups, bacterial invasion of central nervous system barriers, and inflammatory responses contributing to tissue injury. Conjugate vaccination has reduced meningitis caused by vaccine serotypes, although serotype replacement and antimicrobial resistance remain challenges. Immunization, microbiological surveillance, timely diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are complementary strategies to reduce disease burden.