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Trends in meningococcal disease in Italy 1987
Abstract:
Meningococcal disease in Italy decreased 29% in 1987 from the previous year. The highest number of cases was seen in the 1-4 year-old age group (27%). The frequency in army recruits was 5/100,000, still higher than the 0.57/100,000 in the general population, but less than the 7/100,000 reported in the previous year. Sixty-three percent of the isolates belonged to serogroup C while serogroup B constituted 25%. The proportion of strains resistant to sulphonamides was 52.6%. Six strains were resistant to rifampin and none to minocyclin. No secondary cases occurred. These results are consistent with the trends reported in Italy in 1986. There were two findings of interest in 1987: the absence of secondary cases, attributable to the appropriate administration of chemoprophylaxis; and the decrease in military cases, reflecting the use of bivalent serogroup (A + C) meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine in all new military recruits since January 1987.
Insights
Meningococcal disease cases in Italy dropped significantly in 1987, with no secondary cases reported. This decrease in bacterial meningitis is linked to effective chemoprophylaxis and new vaccine use in military recruits.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Meningococcal disease remains a significant public health concern, particularly in younger populations.
- Surveillance of bacterial meningitis trends is crucial for effective control strategies.
- Previous years showed higher incidence rates and military-specific outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological trends of meningococcal disease in Italy during 1987.
- To identify key factors contributing to changes in disease incidence and serogroup distribution.
- To evaluate the impact of public health interventions on meningococcal disease rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of reported meningococcal disease cases in Italy for 1987.
- Comparison of incidence rates with the previous year (1986) and specific population subgroups (e.g., army recruits).
- Microbiological characterization of isolates, including serogroup identification and antimicrobial resistance profiling.
Main Results:
- A 29% decrease in meningococcal disease cases was observed in 1987 compared to 1986.
- The 1-4 year-old age group accounted for the highest proportion of cases (27%).
- Incidence in army recruits decreased, and no secondary cases were reported, attributed to chemoprophylaxis and vaccination.
Conclusions:
- The observed decrease in meningococcal disease is associated with targeted public health interventions.
- The use of bivalent meningococcal vaccines (serogroups A+C) in military recruits has proven effective.
- Continued surveillance and appropriate chemoprophylaxis are vital for controlling bacterial meningitis outbreaks.