Laboratory confirmation of meningococcal disease in Scotland, 1993–9. Issue 1 (1st January 2002)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clarke, S C; Reid, J; Thom, L; Denham, B C; Edwards, G F S
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 55:Issue 1(2002)
• Page Start: 32
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2002-01-01
• Subjects: meningococcal disease -- Neisseria meningitidis -- non-culture diagnosis; CSF, cerebrospinal fluid -- MenC, serogroup C meningococcal conjugate -- OMP, outer membrane protein -- PBS, phosphate buffered saline -- PCR, polymerase chain reaction -- SCIEH, Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health -- SMPRL, Scottish Meningococcus and Pneumococcus Reference Laboratory; Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: To describe the laboratory confirmation of meningococcal disease, using culture and non-culture based techniques, between 1993 and 1999 as part of a national service in Scotland. Methods: Samples from patients with suspected meningococcal disease in Scotland were analysed by culture and non-culture based techniques to gain a laboratory confirmation of disease. Data were analysed to establish the number of disease cases, the serogroups of the organisms involved, and the importance of the techniques used. Results: Between 1993 and 1999, there was a total of 1749 notified cases of meningococcal disease in Scotland. Culture based methods provided a laboratory confirmation of 788 cases whereas non-culture techniques confirmed 461 cases. Conclusions: Non-culture techniques were a useful addition to culture based techniques in Scotland and improved the dataset required for public health management, disease surveillance, and vaccine policy.