Outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis in non-African countries over the last 50 years: a systematic review

摘要: Background Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, leading to substantial mortality and severe morbidity; with serogroups A, B, C, W135, X Y most significant in causing disease. An outbreak defined as multiple cases of same serogroup occurring a population over short time-period. A systematic review was performed gain insight into outbreaks meningococcal describe temporal pattern last 50 years non-African countries. Methods PubMed EMBASE were searched for English-language publications on countries between January 1966 July 2017, an additional grey literature search. Articles reports considered eligible if they reported confirmed cases, included region, number start end dates outbreak. Data stratified geographical region accordance World Health Organization (WHO) regional classification, case-fatality rates (CFRs) calculated. Results Of identified publications, 3067 screened 73 included, reporting data from 83 outbreaks. The majority regions Americas (41/83 outbreaks), followed European (30/83 outbreaks). In each Western Pacific, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asian there <10 reported. predominant C (61%), B (29%), (5%) W135 (4%). Outbreaks showed peak colder months both Northern Southern Hemispheres. 54 where CFR calculable all it ranged 0%-80%. Conclusions These present retrospective view patterns countries, provide valuable monitoring future changes epidemiology informing preventive measures.