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Epidemic group C meningococcal meningitis in Upper Volta, 1979
Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|January 1, 1983
Summary
An epidemic of group C meningococcal meningitis occurred in Upper Volta in 1979, with higher attack rates in children. The causative bacteria were sulfonamide-resistant, raising concerns for future outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Group A meningococcal meningitis has historically caused epidemics in Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) at 10-15 year intervals.
- Previous meningococcal meningitis outbreaks in the region were primarily caused by group A strains.
- Eastern Upper Volta had been associated with endemic and epidemic group A disease prior to 1979.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and characterize a meningococcal meningitis epidemic caused by group C meningococci in Upper Volta.
- To assess the clinical and epidemiological features of this outbreak.
- To identify the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated group C meningococci.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of reported meningitis cases between January and May 1979.
- Isolation and identification of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C from cerebrospinal fluid samples.
- Clinical data collection including case numbers, fatalities, and age distribution.
- Sulfonamide resistance testing of isolated bacterial strains.
Main Results:
- A total of 539 cases of meningitis were reported, resulting in 55 deaths.
- The attack rate was 517 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with higher rates in individuals under 15 years.
- Clinical and bacteriological findings indicated sulfonamide resistance in the group C meningococci.
- This marked a shift from previous group A dominated meningococcal disease in the region.
Conclusions:
- The 1979 epidemic in Upper Volta was caused by sulfonamide-resistant group C meningococci.
- The outbreak highlights the potential for emergence of different serogroups during meningococcal meningitis epidemics.
- The findings raise concerns about the potential for wider spread of meningococcal disease in the upcoming dry season, necessitating enhanced surveillance and preparedness.