Recent increase in meningitis Caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A and W135, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Emerg Infect Dis. 2002 Mar;8(3):327-9. doi: 10.3201/eid0803.010308.

Abstract

From 1991 to 1998, Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, B, and C represented 2%-10% of strains isolated from cases of bacterial meningitis in Yaoundé. During 1999 to 2000, the percentage of meningococci reached 17%, a proportion never reported since recordkeeping began in 1984. The increase of serogroup A meningococci and the emergence of W135 strains highlight the need for increased surveillance for better diagnosis and prevention.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cameroon / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / epidemiology*
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / mortality
  • Neisseria meningitidis / classification
  • Neisseria meningitidis / isolation & purification*
  • Serotyping