Risk factors for acquisition of meningococcal carriage in the African meningitis belt
Abstract
Objective
To investigate potential risk factors for acquisition in seven countries of the meningitis belt.
Methods
Households were followed up every 2 weeks for 2 months, then monthly for a further 4 months. Pharyngeal swabs were collected from all available household members at each visit and questionnaires completed. Risks of acquisition over the whole study period and for each visit were analysed by a series of logistic regressions.
Results
Over the course of the study, acquisition was higher in: (i) 5-to 14-year olds, as compared with those 30 years or older (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.4–9.9); (ii) smokers (OR 3.6, 95% CI 0.98–13); and (iii) those exposed to wood smoke at home (OR 2.6 95% CI 1.3–5.6). The risk of acquisition from one visit to the next was higher in those reporting a sore throat during the dry season (OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.0–6.7) and lower in those reporting antibiotic use (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.03–0.56).
Conclusions
Acquisition of meningococcal carriage peaked in school age children. Recent symptoms of sore throat during the dry season, but not during the rainy season, were associated with a higher risk of acquisition. Upper respiratory tract infections may be an important driver of epidemics in the meningitis belt.
Domains
Life Sciences [q-bio] Microbiology and Parasitology Bacteriology Life Sciences [q-bio] Microbiology and Parasitology Virology Life Sciences [q-bio] Microbiology and Parasitology Parasitology Life Sciences [q-bio] Human health and pathology Cardiology and cardiovascular system Life Sciences [q-bio] Human health and pathology Emerging diseases Life Sciences [q-bio] Human health and pathology Infectious diseases
Origin : Publication funded by an institution
