SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “MENINGOCOCCUS INFECTIONS”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources

PubMed2006

Reverse vaccinology--in search of a genome-derived meningococcal vaccine.

Although significant advances have been made toward the control of bacterial meningitis in children with the development of capsular polysaccharide protein conjugate vaccines, this approach has proven problematic for the serogroup B meningococcus. Non-capsular vaccines based upon outer membrane vesicles of Neisseria meningitidis have been useful in control of clonal serogroup B outbreaks, although due to variability of PorA, these vaccines may be less useful in control of endemic disease. Genome-based vaccine discovery was evaluated in an attempt to produce a candidate capable of conferring a broadly protective vaccine against a diversity of meningococcal B strains.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Nasopharyngeal carriage of meningococcus and meningococcal meningitis in Sokoto, Nigeria.

In an attempt to determine the epidemiology of meningococcal diseases in Sokoto, Nigeria, nasopharyngeal carriage of meningococcus was studied among the groups at the greatest risk of the disease, i.e. children and young adults. Of 726 subjects sampled, 45 (6.2%) carried meningococcus. Sixteen (35.6%) of the 45 isolates belonged to serogroup B. Others were as follows: group A, 8 (17.8%), C, 5 (11.1%), D, 1 (2.2%) and non-groupable 11 (24.4%). Clinical cases encountered during the period were caused by serogroups A (5, 62.5%) and C (3, 37.5%). A male:female carriage ratio of 1.2:1 was recorded for the potential epidemic serogroups, A and C (chi2 = 1.0091; p>0.05), while the clinical case ratio for the genders was 1.8:1 (chi = 16.1619; p<0.001). The 5-9-y-old age group carried meningococci more frequently (8.5%) than other age brackets, and also registered the highest incidence (46.5%) of the cases. Closeness of contact with a clinical case increased the carriage of the strain of the case (chi2 = 33.3940; p<0.001). Rural dwellers carried meningococcus more frequently than urban dwellers (chi2 = 9.5591; p<0.05). The season had no consistent influence on carriage rates, even though it significantly influenced the outbreaks of the disease. Mass vaccination with polysaccharide vaccine and improved living conditions appear to be the most practical ways to control meningococcal diseases in Africa.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1984

[Use of josamycin in the eradication of meningococcus].

Because of their in vitro and in vivo activity on Neisseria meningitidis, good salivary and tonsillar tissue levels, high safety and non-penetration through the meningeal barrier, macrolides are agents of choice for treating Meningococcus carriers. To assess the value of josamycin for eliminating Meningococci in carriers, we carried out a 14-month study with bacteriological control. 27 carriers identified (throat specimens) among contacts of 28 children with meningococcal meningitis hospitalized in Pediatrics at the Amiens and Toulouse CHU (teaching hospitals) were treated. Josamycin was given in a dosage of 50 mg/kg/day in children and 2 g/day in adults, in two divided doses daily, for six days. Bacteriologic control at the end of treatment showed that every study patient was free of Meningococci. In vitro, strains recovered from carriers were inhibited by josamycin at concentrations of 0.25 to 1 microgram/l. Given its safety and efficacy, josamycin is well suited to prophylaxis of meningococcal infections.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[The duty of notification for pathologists according to the infectious disease control act. Tuberculosis as dominating disease].

The Infectious Disease Control Act enacted in Germany in 1.1.2001 led to a duty of notification also for institutes of pathologic-anatomical diagnostics. All reports within 45 months after enacting concerning diseases and agents being subject to registration were evaluated. Among the notifiable diseases with fatal outcome ( section sign 6) belonged 3 cases of Meningococcus sepsis, 13 of tuberculosis und 5 cases of Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease. During lifetime 54% of tuberculosis cases remained undetected. Notifiable agents ( section sign 7.1) concerned 92 times Mycobacterium-tuberculosis-complex, twice Influenza Virus and one case of Cryptosporidiosis and Giardia lamblia each. Six Echinococcus granulosus cysts were reported ( section sign 7.2). Notification needs exact diagnosis of infectious diseases and agents being subject of registration. By this pathologists participate in the control of infectious diseases.

Bacterial Infections↗

PubMed1999

Seven-week interval between acquisition of a meningococcus and the onset of invasive disease. A case report.

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is thought to occur within a few days of pharyngeal acquisition of Neisseria meningitidis. During a longitudinal study of carriage and acquisition among 2453 first-year undergraduates we identified a male student from whom N. lactamica was isolated in October 1997 followed by N. meningitidis in December 1997. In mid-January 1998 this student suffered a mild episode of IMD (meningitis) during which N. meningitidis was isolated from his CSF. The meningococcus carried in December 1997 was phenotypically and genotypically indistinguishable from the invading organism, suggesting the possibility that the organism may have been carried for 7 weeks prior to the onset of invasive disease. Further studies are needed to assess more accurately the range of asymptomatic carriage prior to disease onset.

Adult↗

PubMed1981

[Meningococcus carriers in the population of L'Aquila: distribution according to blood group, drug resistance and prophylaxis].

During 1979 21 stocks of N.meningitidis were isolated from 1024 subjects living in the district of L'Aquila. These 21 stocks belong to the following groups of sera: 13 stocks belong to group B,6 to group Y and 2 to group Z. 85,71% of the stocks showed resistance to Sulfodiazine, 80,95% to Rifampicine, 9,52% to Tetracycline and to Minocycline.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed1982

[Epidemiologic markers of Neisseria (author's transl)].

The world-wide increase of gonococcal infections and meningococcal infections should incite to face up all necessary means of checking which can be actually envisaged against these diseases. The major phenomenon regarding gonococcal infections is the appearance, since 1976, of plasmidic resistance by a beta-lactamase secretion. Two different types of strains have been described: one originating from West-Africa, the other one from South-East Asia (that latter presenting a conjugating plasmid to totalizing 24,5 M-daltons involving coding plasmid for beta-lactamase). Among approximately thirty strains isolated in France, these ones appear to be equally shared out between these two types, following the results of our actual studies. Catlin's auxotype, which has been used in France and in some African countries (study in progress) tends to confirm the previous studies: auxotypes variations according to clinical forms an geographical distribution of strains. The other markers described in the literature are debated. As to meningococcus serogoups that we have carried out, they show a distribution well known in France, i.e. group B is largely predominating, groups A and C coming afterwards. It should be noted the appearance of some cases caused by groups Y and W135. The first results obtained thanks to serotyping, according to Frasch's technique appear to show a majority of type 2 or 2-associated in cases of diseases as other authors have proved.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed1982

Outcome of meningococcal group B meningitis.

Sixty children who survived meningitis during the outbreak of meningococcal group B infection in Bolton 1971-74 were assessed between 5 and 9 years later. Each case, together with a matched control, has been examined clinically and subjected to a number of psychological tests and to routine audiology. The results, unlike those from other series, did not demonstrate any incoordination, ataxia, or other physical abnormality, nor was there any statistically significant impairment on psychological testing. The incidence of sensorineural deafness (5%), although marginally lower, was comparable with the best of other series. When compared with the incidence in controls (3%) it is not statistically significant. A 'mattress test', suggestive of vestibular damage, was positive in those with more severe degrees of sensorineural deafness. The high mortality in the Bolton series (17%) has been reconsidered and it is concluded that unless a potent meningococcus type B vaccine is developed, mortality would still be high in a similar outbreak today.

Child↗

PubMed1978

Prospects for the prevention of bacterial meningitis with polysaccharide vaccines.

MOST SUPPURATIVE INFECTIONS OF THE MENINGES ARE CAUSED BY FIVE BACTERIAL SPECIES: Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and group B streptococcus. The immune response of adults to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides has been studied in great detail and their responses to meningococcal and H. influenzae type b capsular polysaccharides are quite similar. Immune responses of adults to E. coli and group B streptococcal antigens are disappointing. The responses of children below the age of 7 years differ both quantitatively and in duration. Early experience shows that useful antibody titres can be achieved with certain antigens but further studies are required. In order to prevent bacterial meningitis by immunization, three vaccine formulations will need to be developed. When epidemic meningococcal disease occurs in a population, the vaccine containing only components of the meningococcus would be applied to a large segment of the population to terminate the epidemic. The second vaccine would contain components of H. influenzae type b, pneumococcus, and the meningococcus and would be administered in the first year of life, and repeated at suitable intervals to maintain life-long immunity. The third vaccine, designed to prevent neonatal meningitis caused by E. coli K1 and group B streptococci, would be administered to women preferably during the third trimester of pregnancy, so that their offspring would inherit sufficient antibodies to protect them during the first 3 months of life.The vaccine against the meningococcus is a reality and has been used extensively during major epidemics, with excellent results. The two vaccines for control of endemic bacterial meningitides do not exist as yet, but the prospects are good.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Emergence of drug resistance. Impact on bacterial meningitis.

Antimicrobial resistance has emerged among the three major bacterial pathogens causing meningitis. Chloramphenicol resistance in the meningococcus recently has been described, and although intermediate penicillin resistance is common in some countries, the clinical importance of penicillin resistance in the meningococcus has yet to be established. Beta-lactamase-producing Haemophilus influenzae are relatively common, and chloramphenicol resistance is emerging. Third-generation cephalosporins are required to treat meningitis caused by these resistant strains. Pneumococcus resistance to penicillin and to chloramphenicol is widespread, and resistance to third-generation cephalosporins is found in many parts of the world. Correct management of these strains includes the addition of vancomycin or rifampin to therapy with third-generation cephalosporins.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2002

Giant retinal tear and meningococcus endogenous endophthalmitis.

Giant retinal tear is seen in association with Stickler's syndrome, Marfan syndrome, homocystinurea and after ocular trauma. Although bacterial meningitis(1) is not common since the advent of various antibiotics, meningococcus is the second most common cause of bacterial meningitis. Endogenous endophthalmitis(2) remains a challenge to clinicians despite the success of antibiotics in reducing its frequency and severity. The association of giant retinal tear and meningococcal endogenous endophthalmitis is not yet reported in the literature. We report here on a 14-year-old girl who developed a giant retinal tear after meningococcal meningitis and endogenous endophthalmitis, and we discuss the possible factors of its cause.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Possibilities of perfecting antimicrobial therapy. Dynamics of penicillin G concentrations in the cerebro-spinal fluid in purulent meningitis.

In 43 adult patients with purulent meningitis receiving daily doses of 1-4,000,000 IU penicillin G i.v. in bolus, determinations were made, 1-6 hrs after administration, in 153 samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), to ascertain the concentrations of penicillin that have reached the CSF. After 1 hour maximum levels of penicillin were noted, exceeding by far the meningococcus and pneumococcus minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Generally, high penicillin concentrations persisted in the CSF, in most of the cases at least for the following 6 hours. The advantages of using penicillin G i.v. in doses of 1-3,000,000 IU in bolus at 12 hour intervals are discussed. All the 36 patients with meningococcal meningitis and 3 of the 5 with pneumococcal meningitis recovered with this therapeutic scheme, under daily control of the CSF.

Adult↗

PubMed1976

[Meningococcus group carrier status in Chinese recruits].

During the period, May 1974 approximately April 1975, 4 groups of Chinese basic training recruits from different cities in Taiwan were examined for cases of nasopharyngeal Neisseria meningitidis. Before training the carrier rate of N. meningitidis was 13.7%. However, 7 approximately 8 weeks after training the carrier rate had increased to 20%. The majority of strains isolated were serogroup A. However, serogroups C and B, in that order of frequency, were also isolated. Only four strains were serologically untypable. Of 344 strains tested for drug susceptibility, 186 (54.1)% of these strains were found to be resistant to sulfadiazine.

Carrier State↗

PubMed2003

The role of pilin glycan in neisserial pathogenesis.

The pilus of pathogenic Neisseria is a polymer composed mainly of the glycoprotein, pilin. Recent investigations significantly enhanced characterization of pilin glycan (Pg) from N. gonorrhoeae (gonococcus, GC) and N. meningitidis (meningococcus, MC). Several pilin glycosylation genes were discovered recently from these bacteria and some of these genes transfer sugars previously unknown to be present in neisserial pili. Due to these findings, glycans of GC and MC pilin are now considered more complex. Furthermore, various Pg can be expressed by different strains and variants of GC, as well as MC. Intra-species variation of Pg between different groups of GC or MC can partly be due to polymorphisms of glycosylation genes. In pilus of pathogenic Neisseria, alternative glycoforms are also produced due to phase-variation (Pv) of pilin glycosylation genes. Most remarkably, the pgtA (pilin glycosyl transferase A) gene of GC can either posses or lack the ability of Pv. Many GC strains carry the phase-variable (Pv+) pgtA, whereas others carry the allele lacking Pv (Pv-). Mostly, the GC isolates from disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) carry Pv+ pgtA but organisms from uncomplicated gonorrhea (UG) contain the Pv- allele. This data suggests that Pv of pgtA facilitates DGI, whereas constitutive expression of the Pv- pgtA may promote UG. Additional implications of Pg in various physiological and pathogenic mechanisms of Neisseria can also be envisaged based on various recent data.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1985

Purulent meningococcal pericarditis: chronic percutaneous drainage with a modified catheter aided by echocardiography.

A 7-month-old infant presented with suspected sepsis. On the third day of illness signs of cardiac tamponade developed. Tamponade was relieved by pericardiocentesis, and countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) analysis of the fluid was positive for meningococcus group B. Antibiotic treatment was changed to penicillin G. After echocardiography demonstrated reaccumulation of fluid, a modified #16 gauge angiocatheter was placed percutaneously in the pericardial space. When drainage slowed it was repositioned using two-dimensional echocardiography. After 24 h the catheter was removed and no further accumulation occurred. The antibiotics were continued an additional 10 days and the infant recovered uneventfully. Modification of the catheter and echographic repositioning may decrease the need for surgical drainage in such patients.

Cardiac Catheterization↗

PubMed2000

[Primary meningococcal pericarditis caused by meningococcus serogroup C].

We report the case of a 15-year-old female, with no previous medical history, who presented cardiac tamponade secondary to purulent pericarditis caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C. This microorganism is the etiologic agent in 6-16% of the cases of purulent pericarditis, most in association with previous or concomitant central nervous system involvement (meningitis). Exceptionally, as in this case, the pericarditis is not accompanied by meningitis (Primary Meningococcal Pericarditis). The patient was treated with antibiotics, pericardiocentesis and steroids with excellent response. It is important to point out that meningococcal disease may present in unusual forms which may lead to diagnostic and therapeutics difficulties.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Prophylaxis of bacterial meningitis.

A comprehensive review of all major agents causing bacterial meningitis--meningococcus of the groups A, B, C, W135, and Y, pneumococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)--is done in terms of preventing them by chemoprophylaxis or vaccination. Some evidence suggests that the group B meningococcal disease may also be very likely preventable by a vaccine that is already available. Excellent Hib conjugates use a technique that is expected to revolutionize immunoprophylaxis against most meningococcal and pneumococcal diseases in the near future. Unfortunately, the high cost of conjugate vaccines restricts their use in many poor countries.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

[Purpura fulminans complicating pneumococcal sepsis: a case report].

An unusual case of a 67-year-old man is reported with fulminant pneumococcal sepsis. He had been healthy before, and the identified predisposing factors were only that he was a chronic alcohol drinker and was a HCV carrier. He presented signs of acute renal failure, liver dysfunction, adult respiratory distress syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Subsequently purpura fulminans (symmetrical peripheral gangrene) with major extremity involvement developed. He finally survived with amputation of both legs, right forearm and two fingers of left hand. Purpura fulminans is a rare catastrophic disease, with initial hemorrhagic skin lesions that progress to gangrene. It usually follows an infectious illness, and although it most commonly occurs in children, it can occur in adults with predisposing factors such as alcoholic, asplenia, AIDS and so on. In adults, pneumococcus and meningococcus are microorganisms that have been reported most frequently as caused agents in Europe and America. But in Japan the previously reported adult case was the only one complicating Xanthomonas maltophilia sepsis, and none accompanying pneumococcal sepsis. Congenital protein C deficiency is recognized to be able to cause purpura fulminans especially in patients with risk factors. In our case, protein C antigen was decreased in the acute stage but gradually increased later toward normal, so this decrease was thought to be concomitant with the initial disseminated intravascular coagulation rather than compatible with protein C deficiency.

Aged↗