Epidemiology of Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Colombia: A Retrospective Surveillance Database Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), caused by Neisseria meningitidis, is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of the current study was to describe the historical and recent epidemiology of IMD in Colombia. METHODS: This retrospective surveillance database analysis examined all available data on IMD in Colombia. Data were extracted from publicly available disease event reports and laboratory surveillance reports or obtained directly from hospitals in Cartagena. RESULTS: During 2015-2021, the overall incidence of IMD was 0.04-0.18 per 100,000 based on laboratory surveillance reports. IMD incidence was highest among infants aged < 1 year (0.52-1.47 per 100,000), as was IMD mortality (0.00-0.65 per 100,000). Serogroup B was the dominant serogroup responsible for IMD in Colombia during 1988-2014, but, since 2015, serogroup C has been dominant in all age groups, followed by serogroups B and Y. During 2010-2021 combined, the majority of IMD cases were reported in Bogotá (31.9%) and Antioquia (21.7%). Of 42 IMD cases in the city of Cartagena, 54.8% occurred in people who lived in the poorest neighborhoods, and these patients had the highest IMD lethality (52.2%) and the shortest median hospitalization duration (3 days). CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of IMD in Colombia was low but was highest among infants aged < 1 year. IMD cases tended to be concentrated in the more densely populated areas and in poorer neighborhoods. As the majority of IMD cases in Colombia since 2015 have been serogroup C, followed by B or Y, vaccination to protect against these serogroups could potentially be beneficial and help to achieve the World Health Organization's and Pan American Health Organization's roadmaps to defeat meningitis by 2030.

Momificación natural de falanges como consecuencia de meningococemia fulminante. A propósito de un caso / Natural mummification of phalanges as a consequence of fulminant meningococcemia. About a case

Fundamento: Las infecciones del sistema nervioso central constituyen una importante causa de morbilidad y mortalidad neurológica. La púrpura fulminante o meningococemia es una enfermedad grave que evoluciona a severas complicaciones y secuelas, sin embargo, es infrecuente que ocurra momificación o amputación natural de los dedos de las manos y los pies. Objetivo: Describir el caso de un paciente con meningococemia fulminante, al cual se le momificaron de manera natural las falanges de las manos y los pies como consecuencia de la enfermedad. Presentación del caso: Se presenta un paciente de 18 años de edad que fue diagnosticado con meningococemia. Clínicamente presentó fiebre, cefalea intensa, lesiones purpúrico hemorrágicas, petequias y hematomas en piel, evolutivamente shock séptico y disfunción múltiple de órganos. Posterior a 16 días de estadía en sala egresó vivo del hospital, pero con secuelas caracterizadas por momificación de las falanges de las manos y los pies. Conclusiones: La meningococemia es una enfermedad aguda, potencialmente mortal y se reporta mayormente en la edad pediátrica. Entre los sobrevivientes es infrecuente que ocurra la momificación de las falanges de las manos y los pies, como ocurrió en el caso reportado.

Background: Infections of the central nervous system are a significant cause of neurological morbidity and mortality. Purpura fulminans or meningococcemia is a serious disease that evolves into severe complications and sequelae, however it is infrequent for mummification or natural amputation of fingers and toes to occur. Objective: To describe the case of a patient with fulminant meningococcemia, in whom hands and feet phalanges were naturally mummified as a consequence of the disease. Case report: An 18-year-old patient diagnosed with meningococcemia is presented. Clinically, he presented fever, intense headache, purpuric hemorrhagic lesions, petechiae and bruises on the skin, progressively septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction. After 16 days in hospital, he was discharged alive, but with some sequelae characterized by mummification of the hands and feet phalanges. Conclusions: Meningococcemia is an acute, life-threatening disease and is mostly reported in the pediatric age. Mummification of the hands and feet phalanges is uncommon among survivors, as occurred in the reported case.

Caracterización de la meningoencefalitis bacteriana en la provincia Camagüey en el período de 2016-2020

Introducción: Las infecciones del sistema nervioso central constituyen un importante problema de salud en todas las regiones del planeta; representan un reto para el médico de asistencia, el microbiólogo y el epidemiólogo, en función de un precoz y correcto diagnóstico, elementos básicos para un pronóstico satisfactorio. Objetivo: Determinar el comportamiento de la meningoencefalitis bacteriana en la provincia Camagüey. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo, sobre el comportamiento de la meningoencefalitis bacteriana en la provincia Camagüey en el periodo comprendido desde el 2016 hasta el 2020. El universo de estudio estuvo constituido por todos los casos (128) diagnosticados con meningoencefalitis bacteriana, atendidos en los hospitales de más de 100 camas durante el período del primero de enero de 2016 al 31 de diciembre de 2020. Resultados: El año 2017 resultó ser el mayor número de casos, el agente causal predominante fue el Streptococcus pneumoniae; las edades pediátricas fueron las de mayor incidencia en especial el menor de un año y sexo masculino. El síntoma cardinal en el estudio fue la fiebre y el neumococo fue el más letal agente causal. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico precoz de las meningoencefalitis bacterianas conlleva a una menor letalidad y por ende menos secuelas.

Introduction: Central nervous system infections are an important health problem in all regions of the planet; they represent a challenge for the attending physician, the microbiologist and the epidemiologist, based on an early and correct diagnosis, basic elements for a satisfactory prognosis. Objective: To determine the behavior of bacterial meningoencephalitis in the Province of Camagüey. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective observational study was carried out on the behavior of bacterial meningoencephalitis in Camagüey province during the period 2016-2020. The study universe consisted of all cases (128) diagnosed with bacterial meningoencephalitis, attended in Hospitals with more than 100 beds during the period from January 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2020. Results: The year 2017 turned out to be the one with the largest number of cases, the predominant causal agent was Streptococcus pneumoniae; pediatric ages were those with the highest incidence, especially those under 1 year of age and males. The cardinal symptom in the study was fever, and pneumococcus was the most lethal causative agent. Conclusions: The early diagnosis of bacterial meningoencephalitis leads to less lethality and therefore fewer sequelae.

Primary meningococcal arthritis of the hip due to serogroup W in a pediatric patient.

BACKGROUND: Primary meningococcal arthritis (PMA) is defined as the presence of acute septic arthritis with the identification of Neisseria meningitidis in synovial fluid or blood cultures but no clinical evidence of sepsis or meningitis. This report aimed to describe a clinical case of PMA caused by serogroup W, an uncommon etiology of this disease in Uruguay, and review the available literature. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 5-year-old female, with no past medical history, admitted to the emergency department with a 12-hour history of fever of 39 °C and a limp. The patient was hemodynamically stable and had no clinical evidence of meningitis. Hip ultrasound showed an increase in synovial fluid. Arthrocentesis showed purulent exudate and synovial fluid culture showed no growth after five days. The blood culture showed isolates of N. meningitidis, serogroup W. The patient received treatment with ceftriaxone, and drainage of the affected joint was performed with excellent clinical response. CONCLUSIONS: Primary meningococcal arthritis is a rare presentation of meningococcal disease. Systematic arthrocentesis and the adequacy of antibiotic therapy when septic arthritis is clinically suspected are essential for confirming the diagnosis and decompressive drainage of the involved joint. This report is the first of PMA caused by serogroup W in Uruguay. Although the most common serogroup involved in meningococcal arthritis is serogroup B in Uruguay, an increase in serogroup W-related diseases has been reported in Chile and Argentina, emphasizing the need for epidemiological surveillance.

Prevenção da doença meningocóccica: o arsenal de vacinas disponíveis / Meningococcal disease prevention: the vaccines arsenal available

A doença meningocóccica (DM) é uma infecção bacteriana aguda causada pela bactéria Neisseria meningitidis, sendo considerada uma das mais importantes emergências médicas devido ao seu prognóstico estar relacionado ao seu diagnóstico e tratamento serem iniciados precocemente. A prevenção é feita principalmente através de vacinação, hoje existente para diversos sorotipos da bactéria que causa a doença, sendo, dessa forma, uma importante estratégia no controle da enfermidade. O principal objetivo deste artigo é informar sobre a existência dos diversos tipos de vacinas existentes para prevenir a doença meningocóccica. O estudo mostrou as suas especificidades e usos, além de ressaltar a importância de sua presença nos planos de vacinações de diversos países.

The meningococcal disease (MD) is a acute bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, been considerated one of the most importants medical emergencys, because the definition of your prognosis is related with early diagnosis and treatment. The prevention is mainly done throughvaccination, nowadays existing too many diferents serotypes from theba cterium that causes the disease, being that way, a important strategy in disease's control. The main objective from this article is to emphasize the existence of the many types of vaccines that can be used in meningococcal disease's prevention. The study showed their specifities and how can be used, beside the importance to have that vaccine in the vaccination plan in many countries

Plan de acción nacional frente a la emergencia de la cepa W-135 responsable de enfermedad meningocócica invasora en Chile, 2012-2013 / National action plan for the emergence of invasive meningococcal disease in Chile, 2012-2013

Invasive meningococcal disease is challenging for public health, mainly when it manifests with sudden changes in incidence, serogroups and hypervirulent clones that spread in the population, causing great alarm due to its sequelae and often fatal course, a situation that occurred in Chile, starting at week 26 of the year 2012. To face this scenario, an organization of multidisciplinary teams was required, called W-135 Action Plan in Chile, which included sanitary alerts, education, reinforcement of the epidemiological surveillance of suspicious cases, immediate diagnosis through state-of-the-art techniques, blocking of contacts, communication plans, and, from the 42nd week, ON the vaccination campaign was started for children aged from 9-months-old to less than 5 years of age. The vaccination strategy had a great impact on the decrease in incidence (1.3 to 0.1/100,000) and case fatality rate in the vaccinated population (23% to 0%), with a high safety profile, leading to its subsequent inclusion in the national immunization program. The ability to develop molecular, clinical and epidemiological studies allowed us to better understand the situation, supporting public health policy decisions for its control. The W-135 Action Plan implemented by the Ministry of Health in Chile, to manage the outbreak of meningococcal disease by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W, demonstrated that the coordination of these efforts, through an organized Action Plan, allows the implementation of campaigns at the national level achieving high coverage of risk populations in short periods of time, generating a positive impact on the health of the population.

MENINGOCOCCEMIA SIN MENINGITIS EN ADULTO JOVEN INMUNOCOMPETENTE: REPORTE DE CASO / MENINGOCOCCEMIA WITHOUT MENINGITIS IN AN INMUNOCOMPETENT YOUNG ADULT: CASE REPORT

La infección causada por Neisseria meningitidis es la responsable de una gran proporción de cuadros de meningitis y sepsis alrededor del mundo en niños y adultos jóvenes. Las presentaciones clínicas más frecuentes de la enfermedad meningocócica son la meningitis y la meningococcemia, aunque esta última no es la más frecuente. La meningococcemia sin meningitis ocurre en una de cada cinco personas que tuvieron la infección, y reporta tasas de mortalidad del 5 % al 20 %. Se presenta un caso de meningococcemia sin meningitis asociado a coagulación intravascular diseminada con recuperación satisfactoria y sin secuelas, diferente a lo descrito en la literatura.

The infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis is responsible of a big proportion of meningitis cases and sepsis in children and young adults around the world. The most frequent clinical features of meningococcal disease are meningitis and meningococcemia, although the latter is not the most frequent. Meningococcemia without meningitis occurs in 1 of 5 people who had the infection, and it is reported that its mortality rates are between 5 % to 20 %. We present a case of meningococcemia without meningitis associated to intravascular disseminated coagulation with successful recovery and with no sequels, in opposition to what has been described on published researches.

[Neisseria meningitidis: A clinical case with multi-organ affection]. / Neisseria meningitidis: caso clínico con afección a múltiples órganos.

Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) is an agent feared for decades in the medical field due to its important morbidity and mortality. Ironically between 10 and 15% of the population will be asymptomatic carriers of this germ, which will also be ready to activate and manifest itself as a sickness at the right moment. We present the case of a nine-year-old girl who arrived at the Pediatric Emergency Service (to the Hospital General Region number 35, in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua) with the disease in multiple organs, where the Nm was isolated in the cerebrospinal fluid and in skin injuries, displaying three serotypes of Nm. Until today this germ still displays sensibility to penicillin use. Luckily the patient is still alive and without any neurological damage.

La Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) es un agente que durante décadas ha infundido temor dentro del área médica a causa de su relevante morbimortalidad; sin embargo, irónicamente entre 5 y 10% de la población es portador asintomático de este germen, el cual además estará al acecho en espera del momento oportuno para activarse y manifestarse como enfermedad. Se presenta el caso de una niña de nueve años de edad que arribó al servicio de Urgencias Pediátricas del Hospital General de Zona 35, en Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, con afección de órganos múltiples. La Nm fue asilada en líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) y en lesiones de la piel y se identificaron tres serotipos. El germen presentó sensibilidad al uso de la penicilina y la paciente logró sobrevivir sin ningún tipo de secuela neurológica.

Knowing the scope of meningococcal disease in Latin America.

Opportunities for strengthening surveillance of meningococcal disease exist between and within countries in Latin America. In August of 2015, a workshop was convened in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, to address the following objectives: 1) to review meningococcal disease burden and vaccine use in Latin America; 2) to evaluate the effectiveness of current meningococcal surveillance practices in the region; 3) to identify challenges to meningococcal surveillance in the region; and 4) to outline steps for strengthening meningococcal surveillance and disease control in the region. Based on the workshop's discussions, recommendations for strengthening surveillance and controlling meningococcal disease in Latin America focus on improving: a) laboratory capabilities for diagnostic testing; b) communication regarding epidemiologic- and laboratory-based analyses; c) communication during outbreaks; d) monitoring of long-term disease outcomes; e) knowledge of vaccines against serogroup B disease; and f) criteria for defining and controlling meningococcal outbreaks. Overall, improving surveillance will help guide strategies for meningococcal disease prevention and control in Latin America.

Existen distintas oportunidades para reforzar los procedimientos de vigilancia de la enfermedad meningocócica entre los países de América Latina y dentro de ellos. En agosto del 2015, se llevó a cabo un taller en la ciudad de São Paulo (Brasil) en el que se trataron los siguientes puntos: 1) examen de la carga de la enfermedad meningocócica y el uso de la vacuna en América Latina; 2) evaluación de la eficacia de los actuales procedimientos de vigilancia de la enfermedad meningocócica en la región; 3) especificación de los retos para la vigilancia de la enfermedad meningocócica en la región; y 4) definición de los pasos para fortalecer los procedimientos de vigilancia de la enfermedad meningocócica y el control de esta enfermedad en la región. Como resultado del taller se formularon recomendaciones para reforzar los procedimientos de vigilancia y control de la enfermedad meningocócica en América Latina que hacían hincapié en mejorar: a) las capacidades de laboratorio con respecto a las pruebas diagnósticas; b) la comunicación sobre los análisis epidemiológicos y de laboratorio; c) la comunicación durante los brotes; d) el seguimiento de las consecuencias de la enfermedad a largo plazo; e) el conocimiento sobre las vacunas contra la enfermedad causada por el serogrupo B; y f) los criterios para definir y controlar los brotes meningocócicos. En términos generales, la mejora de los procedimientos de vigilancia ayudará a delinear las estrategias para la prevención y el control de la enfermedad meningocócica en América Latina.

Existem oportunidades para o reforço da vigilância da doença meningocócica entre os países e em cada país na América Latina. Em agosto de 2015, foi realizado um seminário na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, com os seguintes objetivos: 1) avaliar a carga da doença meningocócica e o uso da vacina na América Latina; 2) avaliar a eficácia das atuais práticas de vigilância da doença meningocócica na Região; 3) identificar os desafios para a vigilância meningocócica na Região e 4) definir medidas para reforçar a vigilância da doença meningocócica e o controle da doença na Região. Partindo dos debates realizados durante o seminário, foram feitas as seguintes recomendações para reforçar a vigilância e o controle da doença meningocócica na América Latina, dando-se ênfase a melhorar: a) a infraestrutura laboratorial para exames diagnósticos; b) a comunicação das análises epidemiológicas e laboratoriais; c) a comunicação nos surtos; d) o monitoramento dos desfechos da doença a longo prazo; e) o conhecimento sobre as vacinas contra o meningococo do sorogrupo B e f) os critérios para definir e controlar os surtos de doença meningocócica. Em geral, a melhoria da vigilância contribuirá para orientar as estratégias para prevenção e controle da doença meningocócica na América Latina.

Antibody persistence after serogroup C meningococcal conjugate vaccine in children with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: A decline of protective antibody titers after MCC vaccine has been demonstrated in healthy children, this may be an issue of concern for risk groups. The aim of this study was to evaluate the persistence of bactericidal antibodies after MCC vaccine in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. The type of vaccine used and booster response were also analyzed. METHODS: SCD patients (n=141) previously immunized with MCC vaccines had blood drawn 2-8 years after the last priming dose. They were distributed according to age at primary immunization into groups: <2 years and 2-13 years and evaluated by years since vaccination (2-3, 4-5 and 6-8). Serum bactericidal antibodies with baby rabbit complement (rSBA) and serogroup C-specific IgG concentrations were measured. The correlate of protection was rSBA titer ⩾8. Subjects with rSBA <8 received a booster dose and antibody levels re-evaluated after 4-6 weeks. RESULTS: For children primed under 2years of age rSBA titer ⩾8 was demonstrated in 53.3%, 21.7% and 35.0%, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8years, respectively, after vaccination, compared with 70.0%, 45.0% and 53.5%, respectively, for individuals primed at ages 2-13years. rSBA median titers and IgG median levels were higher in the older group. Six to eight years after vaccination the percentage of patients with rSBA titers ⩾8 was significantly higher in the group primed with MCC-TT (78.5%) compared with those primed with MCC-CRM197 [Menjugate® (33.3%) or Meningitec® (35.7%)] (p=0.033). After a booster, 98% achieved rSBA titer ⩾8. CONCLUSION: Immunity to meningococcal serogroup C in SCD children declines rapidly after vaccination and is dependent on the age at priming. Booster doses are needed to maintain protection in SCD patients. Persistence of antibodies seems to be longer in individuals primed with MCC-TT vaccine comparing to those immunized with MCC-CRM197.

Mortalidade por doença meningocócica no Município de São Paulo, Brasil: características e preditores / Mortality from meningococcal disease in the city of São Paulo, Brazil: characteristics and predictors / Mortalidad por enfermedad meningocócica en el municipio de São Paulo, Brasil: características y predictores

O estudo objetiva descrever a magnitude, as características da mortalidade e da letalidade por doença meningocócica e investigar preditores de óbito por essa causa, no Município de São Paulo, Brasil, de 1986 a 2004. Utilizou-se a regressão logística múltipla não condicional para a investigação dos preditores de óbitos. Foram estudados 10.087 casos de doença meningocócica no município. A taxa anual média de mortalidade foi de 1,0/100 mil habitantes/ano, variando de 0,2 a 1,8; a letalidade foi de 20,5% com grandes diferenças segundo idade, sorogrupo e tipo de hospital. Os preditores de óbito por doença meningocócica foram idade, especialmente as faixas etárias de um a dois anos e de 40 anos ou mais e o sorogrupo W. Os resultados obtidos podem contribuir para a elaboração de políticas públicas com foco na organização da assistência hospitalar e elaboração de protocolos que promovam a maior efetividade do tratamento e a aplicação de estratégias de vacinação que diminuam a incidência nos grupos de maior risco para óbito por doença meningocócica.

This study aimed to describe the magnitude, mortality, and case-fatality rate from meningococcal disease and to investigate predictors of death from this cause in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, from 1986 to 2004, using unconditional multiple logistic regression. We analyzed 10,087 cases of meningococcal disease in the city. Mean annual mortality was 1.0/100,000 inhabitants, ranging from 0.2 to 1.8. Case-fatality was 20.5%, with major differences according to age, serogroup, and type of hospital. Predictors of death from meningococcal disease were age, especially the age brackets from one to two years and 40 years and older, and serogroup W. The results can contribute to the elaboration of public policies with a focus on the organization of hospital care and protocols to promote greater treatment effectiveness and application of vaccination strategies that decrease the incidence in groups at greatest risk of death from meningococcal disease.

Los objetivos fueron describir la magnitud y las características de la morbilidad y mortalidad por enfermedad meningocócica e investigar los predictores de muerte. Fueron estudiados 10.087 casos de enfermedad meningocócica ocurridos en São Paulo, entre 1986 y 2004. Los predictores de muerte por enfermedad meningocócica se investigaron por regresión logística no condicional. La tasa anual media de mortalidad por enfermedad meningocócica en el periodo del estudio fue de 1,0/100 mil habitantes/año, variando de 0,2 a 1,8, con distribución desigual, afectando fuertemente a los distritos más pobres. La letalidad fue de 20,5% con grandes diferencias según edad, serogrupo y tipo de hospital. Los principales predictores de muerte fueron la edad, especialmente, menores de dos años, y serogrupo W. Los resultados pueden contribuir a la elaboración de las políticas públicas con un enfoque en la organización de la atención hospitalaria y elaboración de protocolos que promuevan una mayor eficacia del tratamiento y la aplicación de las estrategias de vacunación para reducir la incidencia de los grupos con mayor riesgo de muerte por enfermedad meningocócica.

Avaliação da qualidade da atenção à doença meningocócica na Região Metropolitana de Campinas, 2000 a 2012 / Assessment of quality of care for meningococcal disease in the Metropolitan Region of Campinas, 2000-2012 / Evaluación de la calidad de la atención a la enfermedad meningocócica en la Región Metropolitana de Campinas, 2000 a 2012

Objetivo: analisar a assistência ao paciente, o diagnóstico laboratorial e a vigilância epidemiológica da doença meningocócica (DM) na Região Metropolitana de Campinas estado de São Paulo, mediante indicadores operacionais associados à qualidade da atenção. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo dos casos de DM notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) entre 2000 e 2012. Resultados: dos 929 casos estudados, 35,5 por cento apresentaram a tríade de sintomas (febre, vômitos e rigidez de nuca) e 62,2 por cento foram internados nas primeiras 24 horas; realizou-se punção lombar em 89,7 por cento; houve confirmação laboratorial em 80,4 por cento; 34,6 por cento foram notificados nas primeiras 24 horas e 36,2 por cento receberam quimioprofilaxia nas primeiras 48 horas. Conclusão: as internações foram oportunas, o diagnóstico laboratorial de boa qualidade, a investigação epidemiológica e o encerramento dos casos revelaram-se adequados; todavia, as ações de notificação e quimioprofilaxia não foram oportunas; indicadores operacionais de qualidade da atenção contribuem para o monitoramento e controle da DM...

Objective: to analyze meningococcal disease (MD) patient care, laboratory diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance in the Metropolitan Region of Campinas (MRC) through operational indicators of care quality. Methods: this was a retrospective study of DM cases reported on the Epidemiological Surveillance System in MRC between 2000 and 2012. Results: among the 929 cases studied, 35.5 per cent presented the three symptoms: fever, vomiting and stiff neck; 62.2 per cent were hospitalized within the first 24 hours; lumbar puncture was performed in 89.7 per cent and 80.4 per cent had laboratory confirmation; 34.6 per cent were reported in the first 24 hours and 36.2 per cent received chemoprophylaxis during the first 48 hours. Conclusion: hospitalizations were opportune, laboratory diagnosis was of good quality, epidemiological research and case closure were adequate; however, case reporting and chemoprophylaxis were not opportune; operational indicators of care quality contribute to DM monitoring and control...

OBJETIVO: analizar la asistencia al paciente, el diagnóstico de laboratorio y la vigilancia epidemiológica de la enfermedad meningocócica (DM) en la Región Metropolitana de Campinas estado de São Paulo, mediante indicadores operacionales asociados a la calidad de la atención.MÉTODOS: estudio retrospectivo de los casos de DM notificados al Sistema de Información de Agravamientos de Notificación (Sinan) entre 2000 y 2012.RESULTADOS: de los 929 casos estudiados, 35,5% presentaron la triada de síntomas (fiebre, vómitos y rigidez de nuca) y 62,2% fueron internados las primeras 24 horas; se realizó punción lumbar en un 89,7%; hubo confirmación de laboratorio en un 80,4%; 34,6% fueron notificados las primeras 24 horas y 36,2% recibió quimioprofilaxis las primeras 48 horas.CONCLUSIÓN: las internaciones fueron oportunas, el diagnóstico de laboratorio de buena calidad, la investigación epidemiológica y el cierre de los casos se revelaron adecuados; sin embargo, las acciones de notificación y quimioprofilaxis no fueron oportunas; los indicadores operacionales de calidad de la atención contribuyen al monitoreo y al control de la EM...

Enfermedad invasiva por Neisseria Meningitidis, alerta epidemiológica / Neisseria Meningitidis invasive disease, epidemiological alert

En países que han incorporado vacunas conjugadas contra Streptococcus pneumoniae y Haemophilus influenzae, la Neisseria meningitidis es el principal patógeno bacteriano causante de enfermedad invasiva. La enfermedad invasiva por meningoco se asocia con una alta tasa de letalidad. Objetivos. Describir una agregación inesperada de casos de enfermedad invasiva por Neisseria meningitidis en los Municipio Salmeron Acosta y Sucre, Estado Sucre,Venezuela. Metodos. Cohorte de inicio. Casos con diagnóstico definido o probable de infección por Neisseria meningitidis. Se registraron datos pertinentes acerca del paciente, de su enfermedad, del agente causal y del medio ambiente. Se determinó la tasa de incidencia por grupos de edad y municipio de residencia, serogrupos de Neisseria meningitidis, y patron de susceptibilidad a antibióticos. Resultados. Entre las semanas epidemiológicas 1-41 de 2012 se detectaron 15 casos de enfermedad invasiva por meningococo en niños menores de 15 años con residencia en el Estado Sucre, Venezuela. La tasa de incidencia para los Municipios Cruz Salmerón Acosta y Sucre del Estado Sucre fue 33,7 x 105 y 6,7 x 105 niños <15 años respectivamente. La enfermedad muestra mayor dispersión en la tasa de ataque de niños de 5-14 años, agregación en espacio y tiempo así como tendencia cíclica. Los casos confirmados fueron 10 de 15, Neisseria meningitidis serogrupo B, 4 casos y Neisseria meningitidis serogrupo C, 6 casos. La letalidad observada fue 6 de 15; se observaron secuelas en un tercio de los sobrevivientes. Conclusiones. Se describe una frecuencia inesperada de enfermedad invasiva por Neisseria meningitidis en los Municipio Salmeron Acosta y Sucre, Estado Sucre,Venezuela. La información generada puede orientar el diseño de medidas de intervención y control.

In countries were conjugate vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, have been incorporated, Neisseria meningitidis is the major bacterial pathogen causing invasive disease. Invasive meningococcal disease is associated with a high mortality rate. Objectives. To describe unexpected aggregation of invasive meningococcal disease. Methods. Inception cohort: Definite or probable cases of infection with Neisseria meningitidis. Information about the patient and his disease, the causative agent and the environment was registered. Incidence rate by age and municipality of residence, serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis, and antibiotic susceptibility pattern were determined. Results. Between the epidemiological weeks 1-41 of 2012, 15 cases of invasive meningococcal disease in children under 15 years of age, living in the state of Sucre, Venezuela were identified. The incidence rate for Cruz Salmerón Acosta and Sucre municipalities was 33.7 x 105 and 6.7 x 105 children <15 years of age, respectively. The disease shows greater dispersion in incidence by age group, aggregation in space and time and a cyclical trend. Confirmed cases were 10 of 15, 4 cases of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B and 6 cases of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C. Overall mortality rate was 6 of 15; sequelae were present in one third of the survivors. Conclusions. This study describes an unexpected frequency of invasive meningococcal disease in the Sucre and Salmeron Acosta Municipalities, Sucre State, Venezuela. This information may be useful to guide intervention measures design.

Invasive meningococcal disease / Doenca meningococica invasiva

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a major public health and continues to cause substantial mortality and morbidity. Serotype C is the most frequent in Brazil. The clinical spectrum of IMD is broad (meningitis, meningococcemia or both) and the clinical evolution may be unpredictable. Main features associated with mortality are: age higher than 50 years old, seizures, shock, and meningococcemia without meningitis. Blood cultures should be obtained immediately. Lumbar puncture can be performed without previous computed tomography scan (CT) in most cases. Clinical features can be useful to predic patients where an abnormal CT scan is likely. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and Gram stain should always be required. Latex agglutination sensitivity is highly variable. Polymerase chain reaction is specially useful when other methods are negative or delayed. Usually ceftriaxone should not be delayed while awaiting CSF study or CT. Dexamethasone can be used in meningococcal meningitis. Early suspicion of IMD and antibiotic in primary care before hospitalization, rapid transportation to a hospital, and stabilization in an intensive-care unit has substantially reduced the case-fatality rate. Vaccines against serotypes A, C, W-135, and Y are available while vaccines against serotype B are expected.

A doença meningocócica invasiva (DMI) é um problema de saúde pública e continua causando importante mortalidade e morbidade. O sorotipo C é o mais frequente no Brazil. O espectro clínico da DMI é amplo (meningite, meningococcemia ou ambos) e a evolução clínica pode ser imprevisível. As principais características associadas a mortalidade são: idade acima de 50 anos, convulsões, choque, e meningococcemia sem meningite. Culturas de sangue devem ser obtidas imediatamente. Punção lombar pode ser realizada sem tomografia computadorizada (TC) prévia na maioria dos casos. Características clínicas podem ajudar a predizer pacientes com elevada probabilidade de apresentar TC alterada. Cultura e Gram no líquido cefalorraquiano devem ser sempre solicitadas. Aglutinação do látex apresenta sensibilidade muito variável. Reação em cadeia da polimerase é especialmente útil quando os outros métodos são negativos ou demorados. O uso de ceftriaxona não deve ser retardado enquanto se esperam os resultados do líquor ou TC. Dexametasona pode ser utilizada na meningite meningococóca. Suspeita precoce de DMI, antibiótico no primeira atendimento, antes da admissão hospitalar, transporte rápido para hospital, e estabilização em unidade de terapia intensiva reduz substancialmente a taxa de letalidade. Vacinas contra os sorotipos A, C, W-135, e Y estão disponíveis, entretanto, vacinas contra o sorotipo B são esperadas.

Caracterización clínica de los casos de enfermedad meningocóccica por serogrupo W135 confirmados durante el año 2012 en Chile / Clinical characterization of cases with meningococcal disease by W135 group in Chile, 2012

Background: During 2012 in Chile, there were 60 cases of serogroup W135 meningococcal disease, which accounts for 57.7% of identified serogroup cases. Aim: To describe main clinical features of patients with serogroup W135 meningococcal disease confirmed in 2012. Material and Methods: Descriptive study of case series based on retrospective review of medical records. Results: Male patients represented 61.7% and 46.7% were children under 5 years. At first clinical attention, 3.4% of patients were suspected of meningococcal disease, while 83.3% had meningococcemia as final diagnosis. Also at first attention, the most common symptoms or clinical signs were fever ≥ 38.0° C (60.3%), cold symptoms (52.5%), and nausea or vomiting (46.7%). Meningeal signs had a low frequency (8.7%). Diarrhea was the second most common symptom found among deceased patients (55.6%) and statistically higher than survivors (26.8%; p = 0.034). Six cases reported with sequelae: limb amputation, hearing loss or neurological damage, and mortality was 31.7%. Discussion: In 2012, serogroup W135 meningococcal disease reported high mortality, atypical clinical presentation, low initial meningococcal disease diagnosis, and a high number of cases with poor clinical course.

Introducción: En el año 2012 en Chile, se presentaron 60 casos de enfermedad meningocóccica (EM) causadas por serogrupo W135, que representa 57,7% de los casos seroagrupables. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas de los casos de EM por serogrupo W135 confirmados durante el año 2012. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, de series de casos basada en la revisión de las fichas clínicas. Resultados: El 61,7% de los casos fueron varones y 46,7% tenía menos de 5 años. En la primera consulta, 3,4% tuvo sospecha de EM, en tanto 83,3% tuvo diagnóstico final de meningococcemia. En la primera consulta, los síntomas y/o signos más frecuentes fueron fiebre ≥ 38,0°C (60,3%), cuadro catarral respiratorio (52,5%) y náuseas y/o vómitos (46,7%). Mientras que los signos de irritación meníngea se presentaron en 8,7%. En los fallecidos la diarrea fue el segundo síntoma más frecuente (55,6%), y estadísticamente superior respecto de los sobrevivientes (26,8%; p = 0,034). Seis casos presentaron secuelas: amputaciones de extremidades, hipoacusia o daño neurológico y la letalidad fue de 31,7%. Discusión: la EM por el serogrupo W135 en el año 2012, tuvo una elevada letalidad, presentación clínica inespecífica, sospecha diagnóstica inicial baja y un alto número de casos cursaron con una mala evolución.

Impacto da vacinação contra o meningococo c na ocorrência de doença meningocócica em hospital especializado / The impact of vaccination against meningococcus c on the occurrence of meningococcal disease in a specialized hospital / El impacto de la vacunación contra el meningococo c en la ocurrencia de la enfermedad meningocócica en un hospital especializado

A Doença Meningocócica (DM) constitui-se um grave problema de saúdepública devido a sua alta letalidade. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a ocorrência da DM em um serviço de referência cinco anos antes (2005 a 2009) e um ano e oito meses (2011 a agosto 2012) após a campanha vacinal em Salvador, observando possíveis alterações no perfil epidemiológico. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, utilizando dados secundários coletados no Núcleo de Vigilância Epidemiológica do Hospital Couto Maia, com análise retrospectiva dos casos de DM no período estudado. A amostra foi formada por 488 pacientes, tendo sido amaior parte deles internados no período pré-vacinal (71por cento). Os resultados apontam uma queda na frequência importante da doença nas faixas etárias de 0 a 5 anos e entre 20 e 24 anos, 90por cento e 85por cento, respectivamente. O estudo obteve resultados compatíveis com estudos prévios realizados no Reino Unido e em Quebec, evidenciando diminuição da frequência deDM nas faixas etárias vacinadas contra o meningococo C. Concluiu-se que a vacinação contra o meningococo C, mesmo sendo restrita a algumas faixas etárias, pode constituir importante ferramenta para redução dos casos da doença.

The Meningococcal Disease (DM) constitutes a serious public health problem due to its high lethality. The aim of this study is to describe the occurrence of DM in a reference service five years before (2005-2009) and one year and eight months (2011 to August 2012) after the vaccination campaign in Salvador, observing possible changes in the epidemiological profile. This is a descriptive study using secondary data collected at the Center for Epidemiological Surveillance of Hospital Couto Maia, with retrospective analysis of cases of DM during the study period. The sample consisted of 488 patients, who were mostly admitted tothe pre-vaccine period (71percent). The results indicate a significant decrease in the frequency of the disease in the age groups 0-5 years and between 20 and 24 years, 90percent and 85percent, respectively. The study obtained results consistent with previous studies conducted in the UK and in Quebec,showing a reduction in the frequency of DM in the age vaccinated against meningococcal C. It was concluded that vaccination against meningococcal C, despite being restricted to certain age groups can be an important tool for reducing cases of meningococcal disease.

La enfermedad meningocócica (EM) constituye un grave problema de salud pública debido a su alta letalidad. El objetivo de este estudio es describir la ocurrencia de EM en un servicio de referencia, durante el periodo de 2005 a 2009, y en un periodo más reciente, de 2011 a agosto de 2012, después de la campaña de vacunación en Salvador, observando los posibles cambios en el perfil epidemiológico. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo utilizando datos secundarios recolectados en el Centro de Vigilancia Epidemiológica del Hospital Couto Maia, con el análisis retrospectivo de los casos de DM durante el período de estudio. La muestra estuvo constituida por 488 pacientes, en su mayoría (71por ciento), ingresados en el periodo anterior a la vacuna. Los resultados indican una disminución significativa en la frecuencia de la enfermedad en los grupos de edad 0-5 años y entre 20 y 24 años, es decir, 90por ciento y 85por ciento, respectivamente. Los resultados obtenidos son compatibles con estudios previos realizados en el Reino Unido y en Quebec, mostrando unareducción de la frecuencia de EM en los grupos de edad vacunados contra el meningococo C. Se concluye que la vacunación contra el meningococo C, a pesar de su restricción a ciertos grupos de edad, puede ser una herramienta importante para reducir los casos de dichaenfermedad

A doença meningocócica na região de Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil, no período de 1999 a 2008 / Meningococcal disease in the Sorocaba region, São Paulo State, Brazil, 1999-2008

O objetivo do estudo foi descrever a ocorrência da doença meningocócica notificada no Departamento Regional de Saúde XVI, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil, no período de 1999 a 2008. Em Sorocaba, a incidência anual da doença foi de cerca de dois casos por 100 mil habitantes, com aumento entre 2006 e 2008. As incidências anuais foram maiores entre 0 a 4 anos de idade. A letalidade no período foi de 21,8%, maior nas faixas etárias de 0 a 4 anos (26,4%), na qual se deu a maior incidência da doença, e com idade superior a 30 anos (28%). A confirmação diagnóstica foi laboratorial em 71% dos casos (cultura em 45,3%) e por critérios clínico-epidemiológicos em 22%. O sorogrupo B ocorreu em 45,7%; o C, em 47,3%; o W135, em 3,7%; e o Y, em 1,5% dos casos identificados, com predomínio do sorogrupo B, entre 1999 e 2003, e do C, entre 2004 e 2008. Os fenótipos B:4,7:P1.19,15 e C:23:P1.14-6 predominaram. Os resultados reforçam a necessidade de acompanhamento, de forma regional, da tendência da doença para a detecção de surtos precocemente e monitoramento de cepas circulantes.

The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of meningococcal disease reported to the Regional Health Department in Sorocaba, São Paulo State, Brazil, from 1999 to 2008. Annual incidence of the disease was two cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with an increase from 2006 to 2008. Annual incidence rates were highest in the 0 to 4 year age bracket. Case-fatality was 21.8%, higher in the 0 to 4 year age bracket (26.4%), which also showed the highest incidence of the disease, and in the over 30-year age bracket (28%). Diagnosis was confirmed by laboratory test in 71% of cases (culture in 45.3%) and by clinical and epidemiological criteria in 22%. Serological groups were B in 45.7%, C in 47.3%, W135 in 3.7%, and Y in 1.5% of the identified cases, with a predominance of B from 1999 to 2003 and C from 2004 to 2008. The most frequent phenotypes were B:4,7:P1.19,15 and C:23:P1.14-6. The results emphasize the need for regional surveillance of trends in the disease for early detection of outbreaks and monitoring circulating strains.

Chronic meningococcemia: a rare presentation of meningococcal disease: case report.

Chronic meningococcemia is a rare clinical presentation within the spectrum of infections due to Neisseria -en.jpg-en.jpgmeningitidis, which was first described in 1902. It is defined as a chronic and benign meningococcal bacteremia without meningeal signs or symptoms with at least one week's duration, characterized by intermittent or continuous fever, polymorphic cutaneous rash, and migratory arthropathy. The incidence is believed to be around 1:200,000 inhabitants. It affects predominantly young people and adults, and it is equally distributed between genders. Diagnosis may be challenging in the early stages of the disease because of the difficulty in isolating Neisseria -en.jpg-en.jpgmeningitidis (it reaches 74% of positivity in advanced stages). Recently, the use of PCR for detecting Neisseria -en.jpg-en.jpgsp antigen in skin biopsies specimens has been considered for those culture-negative cases. The authors report a case of a 54-year-old female patient who sought medical attention for a five-day fever followed by arthralgia and skin lesions predominantly in the lower limbs. The patient progressed to a toxemic clinical status that improved after the administration of antibiotic therapy, which consisted of oxacillin and ceftriaxone. The diagnosis of chronic meningococcemia was performed after the isolation of Neisseria meningitidis in two different blood sample cultures. This is, to our knowledge, the first case of chronic meningococcemia described in Brazil (up to the writing of this report).

Fatal meningococcal meningitis in a HIV-infected patient caused by serogroup C Neisseria meningitidis belonging to the non-hypervirulent clonal complex ST-60 (cc60)

Meningococcal strains belonging to clonal complex cc60 are not associated with hypervirulent lineages and were never reported as causing disease in Latin American countries. This is the first report of a fatal meningitis case caused by a cc60 clonal complex meningococcus in Brazil. Despite the immune-compromised state of the patient, the fatal outcome here described shows the potential pathogenic behavior of strains belonging to this clonal complex and how compromised hosts can be susceptible to meningococcal infections even if the strain is not particularly invasive.

Comportamiento de la enfermedad meningocócica y la vacunación en la provincia Camagüey / Behavior of the meningococcal disease and vaccination in Camagüey province

Fundamento: Las infecciones del sistema nervioso central producidas por bacterias constituyen un importante problema de salud en todas las regiones del planeta y representan un reto para el médico de asistencia, el microbiólogo y el epidemiólogo. Objetivo: Analizar el comportamiento de la enfermedad meningocócica y la vacunación en la provincia Camaguey. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo sobre el comportamiento de la enfermedad meningocócica y la vacunación en la provincia Camaguey, desde el año 1997 al 2006. Se seleccionaron todos los casos notificados en dicha etapa en edad vacunal. Resultados: Las mayores tasas de enfermedad meningocócica se observaron en los años 1997, 2000, 2001 y 2004. Predominó el sexo masculino, el grupo etáreo menor de un año. Por municipios, Sierra de Cubitas en el año 2004, resultó la de mayor tasa de incidencia. Los meses de septiembre, enero, agosto y octubre con mayores reportes. De un total de 23 pacientes, 22 fueron positivos al examen directo del líquido cefalorraquídeo, 23 al cultivo y diez al hemocultivo. En la meningococemia, la mayor tasa fue en el año 2000, predominó el sexo femenino, el grupo de edad de 10-14 años, el municipio Minas en el año 2000 con la tasa más elevada, los meses de enero, febrero y junio con mayor número de enfermos. De un total de cuatro casos, tres fueron positivos al examen directo del líquido cefalorraquídeo, cuatro al cultivo, uno al hemocultivo y cuatro al examen directo de petequias y cultivo de las mismas. La letalidad fue de cero, de los niños en edad de vacunación, 19 presentaron esquema de VA-MENGO-BC completo, cinco no tenían esquema y tres lo tenían incompleto. Conclusiones: De los 27 pacientes con Neisseria meningitidis, cuatro presentaron secuelas, de ellos dos con hipoacusia, uno hidrocefalia y un retraso mental.

Background: The infections of the central nervous system produced by bacteria constitute an important health problem in all the planet regions and represent a challenge for the attending physician, the microbiologist and the epidemiologist. Objective: To analyze the behavior of the meningococcal disease and vaccination in Camagüey province. Method: A retrospective, longitudinal, and descriptive study on the behavior of the meningococcal disease and vaccination in Camagüey province was performed from 1997 to 2006. All the notified cases in the said stage in vaccinal age were selected. Results: The highest rates of meningococcal disease were observed in the years 1997, 2000, 2001 and 2004. The male sex predominated, and the age group less than a year. By municipalities, Sierra de Cubitas in the year 2004 resulted the highest rate of incidence. September, January, August and October were the months with major reports. Out of a total of 23 patients, 22 were positive to the direct exam of the cerebrospinal fluid, 23 to the culture and ten to the blood culture. In the meningococcemia, the highest rate was in the year 2000, where the female sex predominated, and the age group of 10-14 years, Minas municipality in the year 2000 with the highest rate, January, February and June were the months with the greatest number of sickpeople. Out of a total of four cases, three were positive to the direct exam of the cerebrospinal fluid, four to the culture, one to the blood culture and four to the direct exam of petechiae and culture of the same ones. Lethality was zero, of the children in vaccination age, 19 presented complete VA-MENGO-BC schema, five did not have schema and three had it incomplete. Conclusions: Of the 27 patients with Neisseria meningitidis, four presented after-effects, of them two with hypoacusis, one hydrocephaly and a mental retardation.