Childhood bacterial meningitis in Bulgaria: a population-based retrospective study in six regions during 1992-96.

Objectives: We conducted a study to provide information on the importance of bacterial pathogens causing childhood meningitis in Bulgaria.

Methods: A 5-year population-based retrospective survey for bacterial meningitis in children <5 years of age was performed at all hospitals in the six largest regions of Bulgaria.

Results: There were 297 cases of meningitis reported, of which 211 (71.