Examination of the environment in meningococcal disease. Identification and clearing of the virulent microorganism from the environment of patients with meningococcal disease
Kristiansen, B.E.; Tveten, Y.; Ask, E.; Knapskog, A.B.; Reiten, T.; Steen-Johnsen, J.; Hopen, G.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 109(13): 1373-1376
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 2501905 Document Number: 338627
During the period from January 1987 to June 1988 DNA fingerprinting was used to identify carriers of the disease-causing strain of Neisseria meningitidis among the patients contacts. A total of 432 persons were screened during nine episodes. The overall carrier-rate was 16.2%, and the causative strain was found in 3.4% of the contacts. Eleven carriers were successfully treated with rifampicin, whereas two of three carriers treated with penicillin remained carriers. We conclude that DNA fingerprinting is a valuable tool for rapid identification of carriers of the causative organism in order to eradicate the epidemic strain of N. meningitidis.