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[Meningococcal arthritis (serogroup A) contracted during a pilgrimage to Mecca]

A Trylesinski1, M P Le Pennec, M Guibourdenche

  • 1Service de Rhumatologie, Centre Hospitalier Général Robert Ballanger, Aulnay-Sous-Bois, France.

Pathologie-Biologie
|March 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

A case of meningococcal arthritis caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A was reported following the Mecca pilgrimage. This was linked to France's first outbreak of twenty serogroup A infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Rheumatology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The Mecca pilgrimage is a potential setting for the transmission of infectious diseases.
  • Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A is a significant cause of bacterial meningitis and outbreaks.

Observation:

  • A case of meningococcal arthritis (serogroup A) was identified in an individual returning from the Mecca pilgrimage in August 1987.
  • This case preceded the recognition of an outbreak of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A infections in France.

Findings:

  • The identified case of meningococcal arthritis was the first reported instance linked to the 1987 Mecca pilgrimage.
  • The outbreak in France involved twenty Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A infections, occurring from August 1987 to March 1988.

Implications:

  • Highlights the risk of infectious disease transmission associated with mass gatherings like the Hajj.
  • Underscores the importance of surveillance for Neisseria meningitidis, particularly serogroup A, in the post-pilgrimage period.
  • Demonstrates the potential for imported cases to initiate localized outbreaks.

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