Meningococcal disease--outbreak in Delhi

Anupam Sachdeva1, Shyam Kukreja, Vinita Jain

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Center for Child Health, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi 110060. anupamace@yahoo.co.in

Indian Pediatrics
|July 5, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Meningococcal disease outbreaks in India, particularly Delhi, show a recurring pattern. Recent epidemics highlight high case fatality rates, predominantly affecting young adult males in crowded urban areas.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Meningococcal disease presents endemic and epidemic patterns globally.
  • India experiences sporadic cases and regular epidemics of meningococcal disease.
  • Historical epidemics in Delhi (1935, 1966, 1985-86) demonstrate significant impact, with the last recording a 13% case fatality rate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the current outbreak of meningococcal disease in Delhi.
  • To identify demographic and geographic risk factors associated with the disease.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of outbreak data.
  • Case investigation and demographic profiling.

Main Results:

  • The current outbreak involves approximately 400 cases.
  • The case fatality rate is around 10%.
  • Affected individuals are predominantly males aged 21-30, residing in densely populated inner city areas.

Conclusions:

  • Meningococcal disease continues to pose a significant public health threat in Delhi.
  • The current outbreak underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk populations and areas.
  • Understanding transmission dynamics in crowded urban settings is crucial for future control strategies.

Related Concept Videos

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
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...
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...
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,...
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 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...