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Recurrent Meningococcal Meningitis Caused by Poly Groups X-W135: Importance of Chemoprophylaxis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Richard F. Jacobs*
Affiliation:
Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas
Terry Yamauchi
Affiliation:
Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas
*
Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Orthopedic Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way, N.E., Seattle, WA 98105

Abstract

Presented is a case report and literature review of the causes of recurrent meningococcal meningitis. After all factors were analyzed, the cause of reinfection in this child was postulated to be ineffective chemoprophylaxis of close contacts following the initial episode. The efficacy of chemoprophylaxis in household members and close contacts in meningococcal disease, although not demonstrated in controlled trials, has been recommended since 1974 by the Meningococcal Disease Surveillance Group. Considering known carriage rates, reports of secondary infections in close contacts, reinfection in the same person, and a high case fatality ratio, chemoprophylaxis in such cases seems justified [Infect Control 1981; 2(4):312-4.]

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1981

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