Meningococcal disease due to serogroup Y in Scotland, 1992-1999.
Meningococcal disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. A retrospective analysis was performed of all cases of invasive group-Y disease that were laboratory-confirmed in Scotland between 1992 and 1999. A total of 1881 meningococcal isolates were characterised, 78 of which were serogroup Y. The incidence of non-invasive group-Y disease remained level between 1992 and 1999. Only 12 isolates were from invasive disease, comprising five strain types. Invasive group-Y disease was associated mostly with the young or old. Serogroup-Y meningococcal disease was uncommon and a rare cause of invasive disease in Scotland between 1992 and 1999; however, it is essential that microbiologists are aware of its potential for increasing in incidence due to the recent introduction of the MenC vaccine, and its increased incidence in the USA.
Clarke
S C
SC
Scottish Meningococcus and Pneumococcus Reference Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, House on the Hill, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow, G21 3UW, UK. stuart.clarke@northglasgow.scot.nhs.uk
Reid
J
J
Thom
L
L
Denham
B C
BC
Edwards
G F
GF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000145:classification* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012703:Serotyping