Völk S, Ködel U, Pfister HW, Klein M. [Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the occurrence of neurological infectious diseases].
DER NERVENARZT 2022;
94:278-286. [PMID:
36576523 PMCID:
PMC9795461 DOI:
10.1007/s00115-022-01420-0]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic a wide range of hygiene measures were implemented to contain the spread of infections with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Besides a mitigation of SARS-CoV‑2, a decline in the number of other respiratory tract infections could be observed. Interestingly, the numbers for some infections of the central nervous system (CNS) decreased as well.
OBJECTIVE
This review article shows the development of important CNS infections in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MATERIAL AND METHOD
This article is based on relevant literature on the epidemiology of CNS infections during the COVID-19 pandemic up to autumn 2022.
RESULTS
During the COVID-19 pandemic the frequency of bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae significantly declined. The frequency of viral meningitis, particularly those caused by Enterovirus, decreased as well. In contrast, the number of patients suffering from tick-borne encephalitis significantly increased within the first year of the pandemic.
DISCUSSION
During the pandemic there was a decrease in cases of bacterial and viral meningitis, most likely due to the general containment strategies and social contact restrictions. The increase of infections transmitted by ticks could be a consequence of changed leisure activities during the pandemic.
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