Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Crowding as a risk factor of meningococcal disease in Danish preschool children: a nationwide population-based

Susanna Deutch1, Rodrigo Labouriau, Henrik C Schønheyeder

  • 1Research Unit Q, Department of Infectious Diseases, Skejby Sygehus, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark. susannadeutch@dadlnet.dk

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|March 6, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Crowded living conditions increase the risk of meningococcal disease (MD) in young children. This study confirms household density as a significant risk factor for MD in infants and preschoolers.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Meningococcal disease (MD) poses a significant public health challenge.
  • Evidence linking household crowding to MD risk in children is limited.
  • Understanding risk factors is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between household density and the risk of meningococcal disease in children.
  • To quantify the risk of MD related to crowding in different pediatric age groups.

Main Methods:

  • A nationwide nested case-control study was conducted in Denmark.
  • Included 1222 children diagnosed with MD and 24,549 population controls (1980-1999).
  • Household density was assessed using data from Danish Civil Registration System and social registries.

Main Results:

  • Increased household density was significantly associated with a higher risk of MD.
  • The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for MD was 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1-1.9) for infants and 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1-2.0) for children aged 1-5 years, comparing lower to higher density.
  • A crude OR of 1.8 (95% CI: 1.4-2.3) was observed for densities below 20 m2 per person.

Conclusions:

  • Household density is a confirmed risk factor for meningococcal disease in preschool-aged children.
  • Findings highlight the importance of living conditions in the transmission of MD.
  • Public health interventions should consider household crowding as a modifiable risk factor.

More Related Videos

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/4306:06

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43

Published on: September 11, 2020

Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells10:12

Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells

Published on: July 14, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...