Background: Bacterial meningitis remains a major cause of mortality in neonates and infants globally, with disease severity, mortality, and long-term outcomes varying by both causative pathogen and age. Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae account for a substantial proportion of cases worldwide, although their relative contribution varies across regions and vaccination settings. Despite this, comprehensive comparisons of age-specific mortality patterns across these pathogens using recent global burden estimates remain limited. Methods: Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019–2023 estimates were analysed to assess age-specific mortality rates attributable to Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Data were extracted for 25 standard GBD age groups, ranging from early neonatal (0–6 days) to ≥95 years, at the global level for both sexes combined. Descriptive analyses were performed to evaluate temporal trends and cross-pathogen differences across age strata. Results: Mortality burden was highest in neonates, peaking within the first week of life, and declined sharply after the first year. S. pneumoniae accounted for the greatest share across all age groups, followed by N. meningitidis and H. influenzae, a ranking that remained consistent throughout the life course. A secondary rise in mortality was observed in individuals aged 95 and older. Between 2019 and 2023, mortality rates declined across all three pathogens, with the most pronounced reduction seen in H. influenzae.
Aarush Aditya Parulkar (Thu,) studied this question.