Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat
08:27

Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat

Published on: October 29, 2014

Outbreak of infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis group C type 2 in a nursery

J A Sáez-Nieto, M Perucha, H Casamayor

    The Journal of Infection
    |January 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    A meningococcal C outbreak in a Spanish nursery was controlled using rifampicin chemoprophylaxis and polysaccharide C vaccination. This strategy effectively reduced carriage and prevented further cases of meningitis and septicaemia.

    Area of Science:

    • * Epidemiology and Public Health
    • * Infectious Diseases
    • * Microbiology

    Background:

    • * An outbreak of meningococcal infection occurred in a nursery in Rioja, Spain, between November 1981 and February 1982.
    • * The outbreak involved 11 patients with meningitis, with or without septicaemia, resulting in two fatalities.
    • * The prevalent serogroup in Spain during this period was B, contrasting with the serogroup C identified in this outbreak.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • * To report and analyze an outbreak of meningococcal infection (Neisseria meningitidis) in a nursery setting.
    • * To investigate the characteristics of the meningococcal strains involved, including serogroup and antibiotic susceptibility.
    • * To evaluate the effectiveness of chemoprophylaxis and vaccination strategies in controlling the outbreak.

    Main Methods:

    • * Isolation and characterization of three meningococcal strains from affected patients.
    • * Determination of antibiotic susceptibility (MIC) for common antimicrobial agents.
    • * Carrier rate surveys conducted before and after chemoprophylaxis.
    • * Administration of rifampicin to identified carriers and polysaccharide C vaccine to remaining children.

    Main Results:

    • * The three isolated meningococcal strains were identified as group C, type 2, and were resistant to sulphadiazine but susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, rifampicin, and spiramycin.
    • * The outbreak strain was detected in 2.5% of individuals before chemoprophylaxis and 4% after.
    • * Following rifampicin administration and polysaccharide C vaccination, no further cases of meningococcal infection were reported.

    Conclusions:

    • * Meningococcal group C infections can emerge during epidemics dominated by other serogroups.
    • * Rifampicin is effective in eradicating meningococcal carriage, and polysaccharide C vaccine can prevent further cases.
    • * A combination of chemoprophylaxis and vaccination is a successful strategy for controlling nursery-based meningococcal outbreaks.

    More Related Videos

    Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery10:03

    Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

    Published on: November 5, 2019

    Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells10:12

    Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells

    Published on: July 14, 2020

    Related Concept Videos

    Investigation of Disease Outbreaks01:23

    Investigation of Disease Outbreaks

    Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...
    Bacterial Meningitis01:24

    Bacterial Meningitis

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
    Viral Meningitis01:18

    Viral Meningitis

    Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
    Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

    Cryptococcal Meningitis

    Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
    Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

    Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

    Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...