Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/61092
Title: Invasive meningococcal disease in Malta : an epidemiological overview, 1994–2007
Authors: Muscat, Mark
Spiteri, Gianfranco
Calleja, Neville
Haider, Julie
Gray, Stephen J.
Maistre Melillo, Jackie
Mamo, Julian
Cuschieri, Paul
Keywords: Infectious diseases
Meningococcal infections -- Malta
Cerebrospinal fluid
Confidence intervals
Issue Date: 2006
Publisher: The Microbiology Society
Citation: Muscat, M., Spiteri, G., Calleja, N., Haider, J., Gray, S. J., Maistre Melillo, J., & Cuschiero, P. (2006). Invasive meningococcal disease in Malta : an epidemiological overview, 1994–2007. Journal of Medical Microbiology, 58(11), 1492-1498.
Abstract: Since 1996, Malta has experienced an upsurge of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) following an almost 30 year period with a negligible number of annually reported cases. We reviewed the 233 IMD cases notified during a 14 year period (1994–2007), and analysed epidemiological and laboratory surveillance data. The crude incidence per 100 000 inhabitants peaked in 2000 at 8.1 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 5.7–11.6] and again in 2006 at 8.9 (95 % CI 6.4–12.4), thereby placing Malta amongst the countries with the highest incidence of the disease in Europe. Of the total cases, 137 (59 %) were confirmed and 30 (13 %) were classified as probable. However, 66 cases (28 %) had no laboratory evidence of the disease and were classified as possible. Information on the serogroup was available for 114 cases. Serogroup B formed the largest proportion (76 %, n=87) followed by serogroup C (16 %, n=18). B : 4 : P1.19,15 strains (n=46) predominated throughout the study period since their first identification in 1998. With 28 deaths attributed to IMD, the overall case fatality rate was 12 %. Apart from stressing the importance of maintaining high vigilance for IMD, our findings underscore the importance of enhancing laboratory surveillance of the disease, including characterization of the meningococci. Until vaccines against a broad range of serogroup B meningococci become available for universal use, the main methods of control remain the early treatment of cases and the prevention of secondary cases.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/61092
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