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Group Y meningococcal disease in United States Air Force recruits
Abstract:
Between 1971 and 1974, group Y meningococcal disease developed in 88 Air Force recruits; 68 had primary bacterial pneumonia. None of the patients with primary pneumonia had the stigmata of meningococcemia or meningitis. Patients with pneumonia responded well to small doses of parenteral penicillin. Ten patients had meningococcemia, and six had meningitis. Pneumonia, therefore, predominated over meningococcemia and meningitis 4:1. Skin lesions were rare in patients with meningococcemia but frequent in those with meningitis; otherwise, these clinical syndromes were similar to group B and C meningococcal disease. There was only one death, a patient with known preexisting leukopenia.
Insights
Group Y meningococcal disease in Air Force recruits primarily caused pneumonia, not meningitis or meningococcemia. Pneumonia cases responded well to penicillin, with a low mortality rate.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Group Y meningococcal disease is a significant concern in military populations.
- Understanding the clinical presentation of meningococcal infections is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical features and outcomes of group Y meningococcal disease among Air Force recruits.
- To compare the incidence of pneumonia, meningococcemia, and meningitis in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 88 Air Force recruits diagnosed with group Y meningococcal disease between 1971 and 1974.
- Clinical data including symptoms, signs, and treatment outcomes were reviewed.
Main Results:
- Pneumonia was the predominant manifestation (68/88 cases), often without typical meningococcal signs.
- Meningococcemia (10 cases) and meningitis (6 cases) were less common.
- Pneumonia cases showed good response to penicillin; only one death occurred in a patient with leukopenia.
Conclusions:
- Group Y meningococcal disease in this cohort primarily presented as pneumonia, distinct from meningococcemia and meningitis.
- Early recognition and treatment of meningococcal pneumonia are vital, with penicillin being an effective therapy.