BACTERIAL MENINGITIS IN BRAZIL: A DECADE OF EPIDEMIOLOGICAL TRENDS, HOSPITALIZATIONS, AND MORTALITY (2015–2025)

Abstract

 Bacterial meningitis remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, representing a significant public health challenge due to its high case-fatality rate and potential to cause permanent neurological sequelae. Understanding the epidemiological profile of the disease is essential to support surveillance, prevention, and healthcare strategies. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of hospitalizations and deaths due to bacterial meningitis in Brazil between 2015 and 2025, considering their distribution according to geographic region, sex, age group, and race/ethnicity. This is an ecological, descriptive, quantitative epidemiological study based on secondary data obtained from the Brazilian Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS), available through the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS). During the study period, 40,547 hospitalizations for bacterial meningitis were recorded. The Southeast region accounted for the highest number of hospitalizations, with 17,632 cases (43.5%), followed by the South (8,516; 21.0%), Northeast (8,453; 20.8%), North (3,134; 7.7%), and Central-West (2,812; 6.9%) regions. Hospitalizations were more frequent among males, totaling 23,211 cases (57.2%), while females accounted for 17,336 cases (42.8%). Children under five years of age represented the most affected age group, with 11,063 hospitalizations (27.3%), and the highest proportion of cases occurred among individuals of mixed race (44.0%). During the same period, 4,126 deaths were recorded, with the Southeast region accounting for the largest proportion (48.0%). Mortality was predominantly observed among middle-aged and older adults, particularly those aged 50 to 59 years. These findings demonstrate that bacterial meningitis continues to impose a substantial burden of morbidity and mortality in Brazil, with marked regional and demographic disparities. Strengthening epidemiological surveillance, expanding vaccination coverage, ensuring early diagnosis, and improving timely access to appropriate treatment are essential measures to reduce hospitalizations, mortality, and the overall burden of the disease on the Brazilian population.