Related Experiment Videos
Trends in meningococcal disease in Italy in 1988
T Stroffolini1, C M Curianò, M E Congiu
1Laboratory of Epidemiology, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Meningococcal disease in Italy decreased 15% in 1988 from the previous year (290 vs. 342 cases). The decline was particularly evident in military cases (1.7/100,000 in 1988 vs. 5/100,000 in 1987) reflecting the full coverage of bivalent serogroup (A + C) meningococcal polysaccaride vaccine in army recruits, achieved since January 1988. The highest proportion of cases was seen in people older than 25 years of age (25%). Serogroup C constituted 60% of the isolates, while 19% belonged to serogroup B. The proportion of strains resistant to sulphonamides was 45%, while 15% were resistant to Minocycline and none to Rifampin. Out of the five military cases, only one (due to serogroup C) was attributable to the vaccine failure. A single coprimary case, but no secondary cases occurred among civilians. These findings are consistent with the trends reported in Italy in the previous years.
Insights
Meningococcal disease cases in Italy dropped 15% in 1988, largely due to widespread vaccination of military recruits with the A+C meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Serogroup C strains were most common, with some antibiotic resistance observed.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Meningococcal disease remains a significant public health concern.
- Surveillance of meningococcal disease trends is crucial for public health interventions.
- Vaccination strategies aim to reduce disease incidence and serogroup prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological trends of meningococcal disease in Italy during 1988.
- To evaluate the impact of the bivalent (A+C) meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine on military cases.
- To identify prevalent serogroups and antimicrobial resistance patterns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of reported meningococcal disease cases in Italy for 1988.
- Comparison of case data with the previous year (1987).
- Microbiological characterization of isolates, including serogroup determination and antibiotic susceptibility testing.
Main Results:
- Overall meningococcal disease incidence decreased by 15% in 1988 compared to 1987.
- A significant decline in military cases was observed, correlating with full vaccine coverage.
- Serogroup C was the most prevalent (60%), followed by Serogroup B (19%).
- High rates of sulphonamide resistance (45%) and moderate Minocycline resistance (15%) were noted.
- Vaccine failure was identified in one military case; no secondary civilian cases occurred.
Conclusions:
- The bivalent (A+C) meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine effectively reduced disease incidence in vaccinated military populations.
- Serogroup C remains the dominant strain, necessitating ongoing surveillance and potentially updated vaccine formulations.
- Antimicrobial resistance patterns highlight the importance of susceptibility testing for guiding treatment.
- Continued monitoring of meningococcal disease trends in Italy is warranted.