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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
04:23
A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Influenza A and meningococcal disease
K A Cartwright1, D M Jones, A J Smith
1Public Health Laboratory, Gloucester Royal Hospital, UK.
Lancet (London, England)
|August 31, 1991
Summary
Influenza A outbreaks may increase the risk of meningococcal disease. This study found a significant association, suggesting influenza A suppresses immunity, making individuals more vulnerable to meningococcal infections.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Anecdotal evidence suggests a link between influenza and meningococcal disease outbreaks.
- A notable rise in meningococcal infections followed an influenza A outbreak in England and Wales in late 1989.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between influenza A outbreaks and subsequent meningococcal disease incidence.
- To quantify the risk of meningococcal disease following an influenza A epidemic.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study design comparing patients with meningococcal disease to age-matched controls.
- Serological testing to detect recent influenza A infection in study participants.
Main Results:
- Patients with meningococcal disease were significantly more likely to have serological evidence of recent influenza A infection (OR=3.9, 95% CI 1.2-13.9).
- The association was observed approximately two weeks after the influenza A outbreak.
Conclusions:
- Influenza A infection appears to increase the susceptibility to meningococcal disease, likely due to induced immune suppression.
- Public health strategies should consider this association, preparing for increased meningococcal disease risk during influenza A epidemics.
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