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Recent outbreak of meningococcal meningitis--a microbiological study with brief review of literature

S Duggal1, N Duggal, Hans Charoo

  • 1Dept. of Microbiology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi. duggal@gmail.com

The Journal of Communicable Diseases
|August 14, 2008
PubMed

Insights

During a 2005-2006 outbreak, Neisseria meningitidis caused nearly half of bacterial meningitis and meningococcemia cases. Fortunately, all identified Neisseria meningitidis strains were sensitive to common antibiotics.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Meningococcal disease, including meningitis and meningococcemia, is a significant public health concern.
  • An outbreak of meningococcal disease occurred at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital between December 2005 and June 2006.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical presentation and microbiological characteristics of meningococcal disease during the outbreak.
  • To identify the causative agent and determine its antibiotic susceptibility.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of patient cases presenting with meningitis or fever with rash.
  • Microbiological investigations including Gram stain and culture for Neisseria meningitidis.
  • Antibiotic susceptibility testing of isolated Neisseria meningitidis strains.

Main Results:

  • Neisseria meningitidis was identified in 257 out of 531 cases (48.39%).
  • Classical features of acute purulent meningitis or fever with rash were observed.
  • Gram-negative diplococci on Gram stain was a key diagnostic finding.
  • All Neisseria meningitidis isolates demonstrated sensitivity to commonly used antibiotics.

Conclusions:

  • Neisseria meningitidis was the predominant pathogen during the study period.
  • Prompt microbiological diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
  • The sensitivity of Neisseria meningitidis to antibiotics suggests effective treatment options were available.

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