Abstract
BackgroundDespite progress in the management of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) it causes significant mortality and sequelae.AimThis study aims to describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of IMD in Cyprus and discuss the current immunisation programmes.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of all cases of IMD notified to the Ministry of Health between 2004 and 2018. Demographic, epidemiological, clinical and microbiological data were collected when a new case was notified. Risk factors associated with mortality were investigated using univariable logistic regression.Results54 cases of IMD were recorded, an overall incidence of 0.4 cases per 100,000 population. The incidence rate was highest among infants (7.2/100,000) and adolescents (1.4/100,000). Case fatality rate was 10.4%. Serogroup B accounted for 24 of 40 cases caused by known serogroup. Serogroups W and Y comprised nine cases and were responsible for most fatal cases. Serogroup C was the cause in only four cases. There was an increase in the odds of death with increasing age, while the presence of meningitis in the clinical picture was found to be associated with lower odds of death.ConclusionDespite the low incidence of IMD in Cyprus, it remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Serogroup B is the most frequent serogroup, while incidence of serogroups W and Y is rising. Monitoring new cases and yearly evaluation of the immunisation programmes by the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) is essential for successful control of the disease.
Highlights
Meningococcal disease is a potentially severe bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, often referred to as meningococcus
Between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2018, 54 cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) were reported to the health authorities of Cyprus
IMD remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality among the Cypriot population
Summary
Meningococcal disease is a potentially severe bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, often referred to as meningococcus. N. meningitidis can cause invasive disease, the most frequent forms of which are meningitis or bacteraemia/septicaemia or both [2,3]. In Europe and the Americas, the most frequent serogroups causing disease are B and, less frequently, C, W and Y, whereas in Africa, A and X are most common [4,5]. Despite progress in the management of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) it causes significant mortality and sequelae. Aim: This study aims to describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of IMD in Cyprus and discuss the current immunisation programmes. Serogroup C was the cause in only four cases. Conclusion: Despite the low incidence of IMD in Cyprus, it remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Monitoring new cases and yearly evaluation of the immunisation programmes by the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) is essential for successful control of the disease
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