Abstract:
Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of meningococcal meningitis and analyze the changing trend of serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis in Anhui province.
Methods Descriptive epidemiological method was conducted by using the data from China information system for disease control and prevention and laboratory during 2004–2017.
Results From 2004 to 2017, a total of 1 467 meningococcal meningitis cases were reported in Anhui. The average annual incidence rate was 0.17/100 000. The cases were mainly school students, and the cases in age group 15–19 years accounted for 28.43% of the total. The incidence of meningococcal meningitis was high during winter-spring. The case number and annual incidence rate of Hefei were highest. Most cluster cases occurred in schools, accounting for 65.63%. The isolates from the cases and close contacts were mainlyN. meningitidis C, accounting for 86.14% and 70.08%, respectively.
Conclusion The incidence of meningococcal meningitis declined from the peak and remained at a low and sporadic level in recent years in Anhui. N. meningitidis C has replaced N. meningitidis A as the predominant pathogen. The cases caused by N. meningitidis W135 were detected. As the cases caused by N. meningitidis W135 and B increased, the prevention and control of meningococcal meningitis is facing new challenge.