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A change in meningococcal serogroups in the west of Ireland?
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University College Hospital, Galway.
Abstract:
Admission of patients to University College Hospital, Galway over a five month period commencing December 1989 indicates an increase in the incidence of Neisseria Meningitidis Serogroup C. Seven cases of Group CN. Meningitidis have been identified, five of them occurring over a four week period. A review of Meningococcal isolates occurring at this hospital over eleven years since 1979 shows, serogroup B as the predominant serogroup. Thirty-six isolates identified by serogrouping shows the distribution of serogroups as follows: Serogroup B 69.4%, Serogroup C 19.4%, Serogroup A 8.3%, Serogroup Z 2.7%. Serogrouping, and when available, further serotyping of meningococcal isolates is very important in order to follow epidemiological trends in the disease and to monitor the serogroups that cause outbreaks. This information can influence measures that can be taken in the prevention of spread of the disease as for example the use of vaccination as appropriate.
Insights
An increase in Neisseria Meningitidis Serogroup C cases was observed at University College Hospital, Galway. This highlights the importance of serogroup monitoring for meningitis outbreaks and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis.
- Serogroup C meningococcal disease has shown a recent increase at University College Hospital, Galway.
- Long-term surveillance data indicates Serogroup B as historically predominant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an observed increase in Neisseria Meningitidis Serogroup C incidence.
- To analyze the distribution of meningococcal serogroups over an eleven-year period.
- To emphasize the importance of serogrouping for epidemiological surveillance and outbreak management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient admissions and laboratory isolates.
- Serogrouping of Neisseria meningitidis isolates from 1979 onwards.
- Review of clinical data for identified cases.
Main Results:
- Seven cases of Neisseria Meningitidis Serogroup C identified over a five-month period, with five cases in a single four-week period.
- Over an eleven-year period (since 1979), Serogroup B accounted for 69.4% of isolates, followed by Serogroup C (19.4%), Serogroup A (8.3%), and Serogroup Z (2.7%).
Conclusions:
- The findings indicate a potential shift in the predominant serogroup causing meningococcal disease in the region.
- Continuous serogroup surveillance is crucial for understanding epidemiological trends and guiding public health interventions, including vaccination strategies.
- Prompt identification and characterization of meningococcal isolates are vital for controlling disease spread and preventing outbreaks.