Question

What are the costs of treating bacterial meningitis, responding to, preventing the disease?

Answer 1

Bacterial meningitis is a condition where acute inflammation occurs in the protective layers surrounding brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal bacteria is the causative organism of meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is treated with;

• Antibiotics
• Dexamethasone
• Fluid replacement

The three most expensive antibiotics used to treat this disease are;

1. Ceftriaxone (250 mg) - US $ 3,557.82

2. Cefotaxime (1 mg) - US $ 2,704.71

3. Cefuroxime (250 mg) - US $ 1,469.46

The cost of these three antibiotics accounts for 38%, 29% and 16% respectively. The cost of drugs represents 40-63% of the total treatment costs. The total probable cost for this is US $ 121 (may increase with increase in drug price in the market). Antibiotics can reduce the risk of death to below 15 percent.

Dexamethasone is a steroid that helps control swelling and pressure in the skull.

For hospitalized care, an average of $2,043 costs for meningitis.