| Sub-title | |
| Authors | D Pace S Attard Montalto A Galea Debono |
| Abstract | Background and aims: Neisseria meningitidis is one of the leading causes of meningitis and septicaemia in children and adolescents. Serogroups B and C constitute the majority of meningococcal disease in most developed countries today. The incidence of serogroup C disease has decreased in those countries introducing the conjugate meningococcal C vaccines in their national immunisation schedules. The aim of this study was to look at the incidence and serogroup distribution of meningococcal disease, in children and adolescents, in Malta. Method: All laboratory and clinically confirmed meningococcal cases occurring during 2000–2005 in 0-18 year old children and adolescents were retrieved from data collected by the Public Health and Microbiology Departments. The total number of meningococcal cases in all ages was also noted. Results: The incidence rate for laboratory and clinically confirmed meningococcal disease was 2.7-5.6 per 100,000 population per year. Disease burden was highest in 2-4 year old children (mean: 42%). Serogroup B was responsible for most laboratory confirmed cases, followed by serogroup C. The proportion of invasive disease caused by serogroup C in 0-18 year olds has increased from 5.6% in 2000-2002 to 14.2% in 2003-2005. Conclusion: Similar to other European countries, serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis is responsible for the majority of invasive meningococcal disease. Continued surveillance for serogroup C is warranted in view of the recent increase in meningococcal C cases and the availability of effective conjugate meningococcal C vaccines. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 18 Supplement |
| Page | |
| Date | 01/12/2006 |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | adolescent, children, incidence, meningitis, serogrouping |