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.
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
S C
SC
Clarke
J
J
Reid
L
L
Thom
B C
BC
Denham
G F
GF
Edwards
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