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Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
Published on: November 5, 2019
Invasive meningococcal disease in children in Jerusalem.
C Stein-Zamir1, N Abramson, G Zentner
1Jerusalem District Health Office, Ministry of Health, Israel. chen@lbjer.health.gov.il
Epidemiology and Infection
|July 31, 2007
Summary
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) disproportionately affected children in Jerusalem, particularly within Arab and ultra-Orthodox communities. Serogroup B was the dominant cause, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis causes significant childhood meningitis and septicaemia.
- Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) poses a substantial public health challenge, particularly in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology and characteristics of IMD cases in Jerusalem between 1999 and 2005.
- To identify risk factors and population-specific susceptibilities to IMD.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 133 IMD cases in Jerusalem (1999-2005).
- Comparison of incidence rates with national averages.
- Socio-economic and demographic data analysis.
- Microbiological characterization (serogroup identification) and molecular typing (pulsed-field gel electrophoresis) of isolates.
Main Results:
- Jerusalem's annual IMD incidence rate exceeded the national average (2.45 vs. 1.13 per 100,000).
- 84.2% of cases occurred in children (0-14 years), predominantly from low socio-economic Arab and ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities.
- Serogroup B was the most common isolate (77.6%).
- A winter 2003-2004 cluster showed higher rates of meningococcaemia (100%) and mortality (30%) compared to non-cluster cases.
- Mortality was significantly higher in Arab children than Jewish children.
- Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis indicated genetic resemblance among isolates from Arab cases over the study period.
Conclusions:
- Specific sub-populations in Jerusalem exhibit increased susceptibility to IMD.
- The findings underscore the need for targeted public health strategies and further research into the factors driving these disparities.
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