Recurrent meningococcal meningitis caused by poly groups X-W135: importance of chemoprophylaxis.
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.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008585:Meningitis, Meningococcal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D012008:Recurrence; D012703:Serotyping
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents