Carriage of Neisseria meningitidis (meningococci) in the sputum of people with cystic fibrosis (CF): occupational health risks and mitigating interventions for physiotherapists.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the carriage of Neisseira meningitidis (meningococci) in expectorated sputum from people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and to evaluate potential ramifications of such carriage for the health and (NM) wellbeing of physiotherapists performing airway clearance techniques. DESIGN: Descriptive observational study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Meningococcal carriage rate, CFTR mutation type and time to first meningococcal culture were determined. RESULTS: Microbiological data was examined from 100 patients from birth to present (31/12/2021), equating to 2455 patient years. NM was isolated from 6/100 (6%) adult CF patients who had F508del/F508del (homozygous), F508del/other (heterozygous) and other mutations. The median and mean time to first isolation of NM was 213 months and 230 months (standard deviation = 27.6 months), respectively, shortest time was 209 months, longest time 278 months. CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapists should be aware of the risks to themselves of acquiring Neisseria meningtidis from CF patients' respiratory aerosols, whilst performing airway clearance techniques. Physiotherapists with underlying medical conditions or with specific concerns about meningococcal disease should discuss their circumstances with their occupational health team, to ensure optimal protection.