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Invasive pediatric Neisseria meningitidis infections

Pao-Lan Tuan1, Wen-Chen Li, Yhu-Chering Huang

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection = Wei Mian Yu Gan Ran Za Zhi
|February 26, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Meningococcal infections in children are primarily caused by serogroups B and W-135, predominantly affecting infants under one year old. Continuous surveillance and prevention strategies are crucial for managing pediatric meningococcus cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Bacteriology

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis infections are typically severe in children but were historically sporadic in Taiwan.
  • A notable increase in meningococcal infections was observed in Taiwan during 2001-2002.
  • This study addresses the epidemiology and clinical features of meningococcal disease in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiology of meningococcal infections in a pediatric population in Taiwan.
  • To describe the clinical manifestations and outcomes of meningococcal disease in children.
  • To identify predominant serogroups and risk factors in pediatric cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical charts of pediatric patients with meningococcal disease from July 1998 to December 2005.
  • Analysis of patient demographics, serogroups, clinical diagnoses, treatments, and complications.
  • Evaluation of patient outcomes, including survival and long-term sequelae.

Main Results:

  • Sixteen pediatric cases of meningococcal disease were identified, with ages ranging from 1 month to 15 years.
  • Serogroups B (43.75%) and W-135 (31.25%) were the most prevalent.
  • Common acute complications included purpura fulminans (37.5%) and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (31.25%); the mortality rate was 12.5%.

Conclusions:

  • Serogroups B and W-135 are the primary causes of pediatric meningococcal infections in the studied population.
  • Infants under one year of age represent the majority of affected children.
  • Ongoing surveillance and preventive measures are essential for controlling meningococcal disease in children.

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