Patterns in the Emergence of Epidemic Meningococcal Disease

摘要: This chapter reviews several recent surges in disease activity caused by the three main meningococcal serogroups (A, C and B) 1990s discusses current future strategies for prevention. The mortality rate of untreated meningitis has not been recorded recently but was reported to be as high 75% preantibiotic era. precise reason distinct seasonality is unclear may related drying effect on mucous membranes, seasonal transmission respiratory viruses, or other factors. More importantly, nasopharyngeal mucosa intercurrent tract infections contribute invasiveness, carriage, both. Complete immunization coverage with polysaccharide vaccine critical halt epidemic disease. In early 1990s, public health personnel Oregon noticed increasing rates general population surprisingly focal outbreaks. epidemiologic pattern similar endemic patterns most respects, including seasonality, sex distribution, rates. A constant low level a variety and, within each serogroup, individual strains. history outbreaks due A, B, suggests that strains will continue arise cause major crises both developing developed countries.