Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies demonstrated that socioeconomic deprivation is linked to increased meningitis and encephalitis (M&E) incidence and associated mortality. Furthermore, the consequences associated with M&E can be minimised through efficient diagnosis and appropriate timely disease management. This study investigated the difference in incidence, hospitalization and mortality between M&E and socioeconomic deprivation in England, alongside exploring the potential impact of faster diagnosis of M&E with nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
METHODS: Firstly, a structured pragmatic literature search was conducted to understand the existing evidence about the relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and M&E. The findings of the search informed the baseline inputs of an inequalities calculator. The calculator was developed to estimate healthcare, educational, and societal impacts of M&E in socioeconomically deprived areas of England. The calculator was also used to estimate the impact from using a nested multiplex-PCR test, on diagnoses and outcomes related to M&E.
RESULTS: The analysis found that the number of cases, mortalities, and bed-days in hospital are greater in more deprived areas for patients with M&E. Additionally, the analysis indicated that implementing nested multiplex-PCR tests is associated with reduced length of stay in hospital, driven by earlier accurate diagnosis of M&E.
CONCLUSIONS: This analysis demonstrates that M&E rates are higher in more deprived areas, leading to increased hospitalisation and mortality. These health inequalities are likely to contribute to wider economic disparities through impacts on education and physical function, highlighting the need for long-term policies that address socioeconomic deprivation and improve access to education and healthcare. Diagnostics such as rapid syndromic multiplex nested PCR testing, targeted in areas of higher deprivation, could also be a beneficial measure to reducing health inequalities in M&E.