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Individual susceptibility to neisserial infection?
The British Journal of Venereal Diseases
|June 1, 1979
Summary
Co-infection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis was observed in genital and pharyngeal sites. This association, particularly in individuals with pharyngeal meningococci, suggests a link to sexual behavior rather than individual susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a significant cause of sexually transmitted infections.
- Neisseria meningitidis is a common cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis.
- Understanding co-infections is crucial for effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis carriage.
- To determine if co-carriage is linked to specific anatomical sites or demographic factors.
- To explore potential behavioral or susceptibility factors influencing co-infection.
Main Methods:
- Culture-based analysis of genital, anorectal, and pharyngeal specimens.
- Involved 1671 men and 1419 women.
- Simultaneous testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis.
Main Results:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae was more frequently isolated from genital sites in individuals carrying meningococci in their pharynx.
- Neisseria meningitidis was more frequently isolated from pharyngeal sites in individuals with genital gonorrhea.
- A statistically significant association (p < 0.001) was found between the carriage of both organisms in both sexes.
Conclusions:
- The co-occurrence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis is statistically significant.
- This association may be more strongly related to sexual behavior than individual susceptibility.
- Further research into behavioral epidemiology is warranted.