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Published on: November 5, 2019
Meningococcal infections in hospitalised patients in Pretoria
Abstract:
We report on 13 patients diagnosed with meningococcal infections in patients attending state-owned hospitals serving an indigent population in Pretoria in 2009. The case fatality rate was 27%. Ceftriaxone was the main antibiotic (9 out of 13 patients) for therapy. Five isolates (39%) were serogroup B and 4 (31%) serogroup W135. Most isolates (12/13) were fully susceptible to penicillin (MIC range 0.016 - 0.047 μg/ml). A single isolate was intermediately resistant to penicillin (MIC, 0.125 μg/ml) while all isolates were uniformly susceptible to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin and rifampicin. This pattern reveals a shift in serogroups with an increase of serogroup B disease in the Pretoria region, and the need for ongoing monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and the value of ceftriaxone for favourable therapeutic outcome.
Insights
Meningococcal infections in Pretoria showed a 27% fatality rate in 2009. Serogroup B and W135 were most common, with ceftriaxone proving effective against all isolates.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- This study analyzed 13 cases of meningococcal infections in Pretoria during 2009, primarily in state hospitals serving an indigent population.
- The overall case fatality rate was 27%, highlighting the severity of the infections.
Discussion:
- Serogroup B (39%) and W135 (31%) were the predominant meningococcal serogroups identified.
- While most isolates remained susceptible to penicillin, one showed intermediate resistance.
- All isolates were uniformly susceptible to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and rifampicin, indicating their potential efficacy.
Key Insights:
- A notable shift towards Serogroup B meningococcal disease was observed in the Pretoria region.
- Ceftriaxone demonstrated effectiveness as a primary therapeutic agent.
Outlook:
- Continuous monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective meningococcal disease management.
- Further research is needed to understand the increasing prevalence of Serogroup B and its implications for public health interventions.
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