Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 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

Meningococcal disease--probable transmission during an international flight

Bridget A O'Connor1, Kerry G Chant, Enzo Binotto

  • 1Communicable Disease Control Branch, Department of Health, Adelaide, South Australia. bridget.oconnor@health.sa.gov.au

Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report
|October 14, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Two passengers on an international flight contracted meningococcal disease (serogroup B). Transmission likely occurred on the flight, but the risk to other passengers is considered low, highlighting the need for surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Meningococcal disease poses a public health risk.
  • International travel can facilitate disease transmission.
  • Surveillance is crucial for managing outbreaks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate two cases of meningococcal disease on an international flight.
  • To assess the transmission risk in this specific travel setting.
  • To inform public health response and surveillance strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Case identification and epidemiological investigation.
  • Molecular typing (allelic profile) of Neisseria meningitidis isolates.
  • Contact tracing and public health interventions (chemoprophylaxis).

Main Results:

  • Two passengers on the same international flight were diagnosed with serogroup B meningococcal disease.
  • Isolates from both cases shared the same allelic profile, suggesting a common source or transmission.
  • Public health measures included chemoprophylaxis for close contacts on the flight.

Conclusions:

  • In-flight transmission of Neisseria meningitidis is a plausible scenario.
  • The risk of transmission to other passengers on this long-distance flight was assessed as low.
  • Effective national and international surveillance systems are vital for informed public health decision-making.

More Related Videos

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection05:55

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection

Published on: May 7, 2020

Related Concept Videos

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 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...
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,...
Transmission of Pathogens01:24

Transmission of Pathogens

Pathogens spread from their reservoirs to susceptible hosts through three main routes: contact transmission, vehicle transmission, and vector transmission. Each route involves distinct mechanisms of transfer.Contact TransmissionThis category includes direct contact, indirect contact, and droplet transmission:Direct contact involves immediate physical interaction between individuals—such as a handshake—which can spread pathogens like Streptococcus pyogenes, the bacterium responsible for...
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...
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...