Meningococcal C Disease Outbreak Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Neisseria meningitidis, Fiji
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: We describe an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C in Fiji. We created surveillance case definitions and collected data by using standard investigation forms. Bacterial identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and PCR were performed in Fiji. Molecular testing was conducted at the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. During January 2016-December 2018, a total of 96 confirmed or probable IMD cases were reported. Of case-patients, 61.5% (59/96) were male and 38.5% (37) female, 84.4% (81) were indigenous people of Fiji, and 70.8% (68) were children <15 years of age. Annual incidence increased from 1.8/100,000 population in 2016 to 5.2/100,000 population in 2018. Serogroup C multilocus serotype 4821 that is resistant to ciprofloxacin was prevalent (62.1%, 41/66). Public health measures, which included targeted mass vaccination with monovalent meningitis C vaccine, were effective in controlling the outbreak. We observed a rapid decline in meningitis C cases in subsequent years.
Source: Emerging infectious diseases
Authors: Aneley Getahun Strobel, Aalisha Sahukhan, Anaseini Ratu, Jimaima Kailawadoko, Isireli Koroituku, Shalini Singh, Samuel McEwen, Sakiusa Baleivanualala, Mathilda Wilmot, Silivia Matanitobua, Kerrie Stevens, Anaseini Vesikula, Talica Cabemaiwai, Raquel Cooper, Mere Taufa, Jokaveti Tadrau, Kristy Horan, Daniel Faktaufon, Benjamin P. Howden, Eric Rafai
Language: English
Subfield: Microbiology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4405279408