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[Factors affecting Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria lactamica carrier state]
1Národní referencní laborator pro meningokokové nákazy, Státní zdravotní ústav, Praha.
Abstract:
Invasive meningococcal diseases have become in the Czech Republic since 1993 a serious epidemiological and clinical problem due to a clonus which was not present previously: Neisseria meningitidis C:2a:P1.2,P1.5, ET-15/37. In 1996 a trial was conducted focused on the problem how this altered epidemiological and clinical situation is reflected in carriership of Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria lactamica in the healthy population. Two age groups were followed up which were most severely affected by the new clonus of the meningococcus: 15-19 years (410 subjects) and 1-4 years (116 subjects). The trial was implemented in Olomouc where in 1993 the new epidemiological situation of the incidence of the invasive meningococcal disease was so serious that targeted vaccination was introduced. Of 116 children in the age group from 1-4 years in none Neisseria meningitidis was detected, in 9 Neisseria lactamica was found (7.7%). On repeated examination of children with a positive cultivation of Neisseria lactamica after two weeks in none Neisseria meningitidis nor Neisseria lactamica were found. Of 410 subjects in the age group from 15-19 years in none Neisseria lactamica was detected and in 35 Neisseria meningitidis (8.5%). Examinations were repeated after two weeks in 33 carriers: in 31 Neisseria meningitidis was again cultivated. Analysis of factors influencing carriership revealed in Neisseria lactamica two factors in young children which significantly promote this carriership: cold and close contact/kissing. A risk factor at the limit of significance are frequent respiratory diseases. In the carriership of Neisseria meningitidis in 15-19 year-old subjects six factors were revealed which promote carriership. A significant risk factor is close contact/kissing, the existence of partnership, participation in activities of the "disco" type, living in a town, flats in the centre of the town. Effort is a risk factor at the limit of significance.
Insights
Invasive meningococcal disease increased in the Czech Republic due to a new strain. This study examined Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria lactamica carriage in young people and children, identifying key risk factors for transmission.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Invasive meningococcal diseases (IMD) pose a significant public health challenge, particularly since 1993 in the Czech Republic due to a novel Neisseria meningitidis strain (C:2a:P1.2,P1.5, ET-15/37).
- Understanding carriage dynamics of Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria lactamica is crucial for managing IMD epidemiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how the altered epidemiological situation of IMD impacts Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria lactamica carriage in healthy populations.
- To identify risk factors associated with Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria lactamica carriage in specific age groups.
Main Methods:
- A trial was conducted in Olomouc, focusing on two age groups: 15-19 years (n=410) and 1-4 years (n=116).
- Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected and cultured to detect Neisseria species.
- Examinations were repeated after two weeks for subjects with positive cultures.
Main Results:
- In children aged 1-4 years, Neisseria meningitidis was not detected; Neisseria lactamica carriage was 7.7%.
- In adolescents aged 15-19 years, Neisseria lactamica was not detected; Neisseria meningitidis carriage was 8.5%.
- Factors promoting Neisseria lactamica carriage in young children included cold exposure and close contact (kissing). Factors promoting Neisseria meningitidis carriage in adolescents included close contact, partnership, disco attendance, and urban living.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights distinct carriage patterns of Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria lactamica in different age groups.
- Close contact (kissing) is a significant risk factor for both species' carriage, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and social behaviors in disease prevention.
- Environmental and social factors play a role in the transmission and carriage of meningococci and lactamica.