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Clinical profile of group A meningococcal outbreak in Delhi

Urmila Jhamb1, V Chawla, S Khanna

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College and LN Hospital, New Delhi, India. ujhamb@hotmail.com

Indian Pediatrics
|January 31, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Group A meningococcal infections in Delhi children peaked in winter/spring. Meningococcal meningitis was most common, with 17% mortality, higher in severe cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Group A meningococcal infection poses a significant public health risk, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding the clinical presentation and outcomes of meningococcal disease is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the clinical profile, treatment, and outcomes of 100 children with group A meningococcal infection admitted to a Delhi hospital.
  • To identify risk factors associated with mortality in pediatric meningococcal disease.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 100 pediatric cases of group A meningococcal infection.
  • Data collected on patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment, and outcomes.
  • Microbiological analysis of Neisseria meningitides isolates for antibiotic susceptibility.

Main Results:

  • The study identified peak incidence during late winter and spring.
  • Fever, vomiting, and rash were the most common symptoms; 52% presented within 24 hours.
  • Meningococcal meningitis (67%) was most frequent, followed by meningococcemia (20%). Overall mortality was 17%, with altered sensorium and shock indicating poor prognosis.
  • All isolates were group A Neisseria meningitides and largely sensitive to common antibiotics, with rare resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Group A meningococcal infections in children present with diverse clinical manifestations, predominantly meningitis.
  • Early presentation and prompt treatment are vital, as severe symptoms like shock and altered sensorium correlate with higher mortality.
  • Antibiotic susceptibility patterns indicate effectiveness of standard treatments, though monitoring resistance is necessary.

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