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Cluster of serogroup C meningococcal disease associated with attendance at a party

R Finn1, C Groves, M Coe

  • 1Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and School of Medicine, 15261, USA.

Southern Medical Journal
|January 29, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

An increase in invasive meningococcal disease in young adults was investigated. A party linked to three cases suggests transmission occurred due to binge drinking and smoking.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Disease

Background:

  • An unexplained rise in invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) incidence among adolescents and young adults has been observed.
  • Serogroup C strains are a significant cause of IMD.

Observation:

  • A cluster of three IMD cases in young adults was investigated.
  • All cases attended a single social gathering in Maryland.
  • Molecular subtyping via pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed on isolates.

Findings:

  • PFGE analysis revealed identical molecular subtypes for all three case isolates.
  • The common exposure identified was attendance at the party.
  • Reported activities at the party included alcohol consumption and smoking (tobacco/marijuana).

Implications:

  • The investigation strongly suggests the party facilitated transmission of the specific meningococcal strain.
  • Binge drinking and smoking are identified as potential contributing factors to disease transmission.
  • These modifiable risk factors may explain some of the recent increase in IMD.

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