Affiliations 

  • 1 Letterkenny University Hospital
MyJurnal

Abstract

Meningococcal Diseases: Post Men C Vaccination EraMalaysian Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, Vol. 23 (2), December 2017: 36-44© 2017 MJPCH. All Rights Reserved.36ORIGINAL ARTICLEMENINGOCOCCAL DISEASES: POST MEN C VACCINATION ERABazlin RamlyPaediatric Department, Letterkenny University Hospital, Co Donegal, Ireland.AbstractIntroduction: Meningococcal infections are caused by Neisseria Meningitidis and they are manifested in a spectrum of disease in particular meningitis. There are different strains of this bacteria which are A, C, B, W and Y. Mortality rates are from 5-15% with 10-15% suffering permanent disability. After the introduction of Men C vaccination in the year 2000, the incidences of meningitis caused by both Neisseria Meningitidis Serotype C and Serotype B have significantly reduced. Methods: A retrospective study of children whomlumbar puncture was performed with the preliminary diagnosis of meningococcal disease/ meningitis. Total numbers of children were 30 after excluding neonates, those with non-infectious diagnosis and failed lumbar puncture. Symptoms, signs and investigations results were collected in a data collection sheet using the documented data from the patients’ chart. Results: Five children had positive results in either the cultures or the PCR samples sent. None of these children had Serotype C. Three children had Serotype B and 2 others were Serotype W135. Conclusions: There were presence of Nisseria Meningitidis Serotype B and Serotype W135 when blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were sent. It shows how significant is the value of lumbar puncture to be done to secure a definite diagnosis of meningitis. The preventive strategy to include Men B vaccination in the national vaccination schedule is definite so that death and morbidity can be reduced.