To better understand localized meningococcal meningitis epidemics, the authors of this article, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, evaluated a serogroup A epidemic in Burkina Faso by surveillance, carriage, and seroprevalence studies. The authors analyzed cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients suspected to have meningitis in three epidemic villages and assessed meningococcal carriage and serogroup-specific serum bactericidal antibody titers with baby rabbit complement (rSBA) in a representative population sample. They found that a surge of NmA carriage may be involved in the development of meningococcal epidemics and rapidly increase anti-NmA seroprevalence. Further, flulike infection and kitchen smoke may contribute to the strength of epidemics. ABSTRACT ONLY. (Learn how users in developing countries can gain free access to journal articles.)

Author(s): Mueller JE, Yaro S, Njanpop-Lafourcade BM, et al.

Published: 2011

Resource types: Peer-reviewed journal

Diseases: Meningococcus

Topics: Disease burden and surveillance

Regions: Africa