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Establishing the Minimal Bactericidal Concentration of an Antimicrobial Agent for Planktonic Cells (MBC-P) and Biofilm Cells (MBC-B)
06:36

Establishing the Minimal Bactericidal Concentration of an Antimicrobial Agent for Planktonic Cells (MBC-P) and Biofilm Cells (MBC-B)

Published on: January 2, 2014

Minocycline in the chemoprophylaxis of meningococcal disease

R B Guttler, H N Beaty

    Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
    |May 1, 1972
    PubMed

    Insights

    Minocycline effectively halted an outbreak of meningococcal disease in military recruits by reducing carriers. While vaccines are preferred, minocycline offers a valuable alternative for meningococcal disease prophylaxis.

    Area of Science:

    • Epidemiology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Microbiology

    Background:

    • A meningococcal disease outbreak occurred among basic combat trainees at Fort Lewis, Washington, in early 1971.
    • The outbreak involved sulfa-resistant strains of Neisseria meningitidis.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the efficacy of minocycline in controlling an outbreak of meningococcal disease.
    • To assess the impact of minocycline on meningococcal carrier rates.

    Main Methods:

    • Administered 100 mg of minocycline every 12 hours for 5 days to 8,721 recruits.
    • Administered minocycline to an additional 6,130 recruits who entered training later.
    • Administered group C polysaccharide vaccine to recruits in the first 6 weeks of training.

    Main Results:

    • Minocycline administration halted new cases of meningococcal disease.
    • No new cases occurred for nearly 5 weeks after the initial minocycline course.
    • Minocycline significantly lowered the meningococcal carrier rate for 4 to 5 weeks.
    • No resistant strains of Neisseria meningitidis were isolated after minocycline treatment.

    Conclusions:

    • Minocycline prophylaxis was effective in interrupting the meningococcal disease outbreak.
    • Minocycline reduced meningococcal carrier rates, indicating its potential as a prophylactic agent.
    • While immunization is preferred, minocycline may serve as a useful alternative until a suitable polyvalent vaccine is available.

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