oa Epidemiology of Neisseria meningitidis in Qatar: 5-year trend analysis

Background:Neisseria meningitidis (NM) is a leading cause of meningitis and septicemia. NM has an overall dispersion at rate of 11%, assuming that 10%–20% of the population carries NM in their throat at any given time, and increased carriage rate may be seen during epidemics.

Objective: This study aimed to describe the incidence and epidemiological characteristics NM in Qatar.

Methods: A retrospective review of epidemiological data for cases of NM reported to the Department of Public Health, HP & CDC section in 2010–2014 form all active surveillance sites in the health region. NM types of isolates from cases were serogrouped at Microbiology Laboratory in Hamad Medical Corporation. Estimates of the incidence and number of cases in the state of Qatar were calculated by sex and age group.

Results: A total of 41 cases of NM were reported during the study period. The incidence of NM in Qatar ranged between 0.8, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 cases per 100,000 population in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 respectively and then considerably increased by end of 2014 (0.6 per 100,000 population). The incidence of NM was highest among males (37 cases) than females (4 cases), while NM occurred mainly in young adult group of the population.

Conclusion: The incidence of NM was very low in Qatar with young adults being at the highest risk. Active surveillance and dynamic research, fast conspicuous verification, and serotyping of NM will support public health decision making in the control of rising strains in Qatar.

Keywords:Neisseria meningitidis, Qatar, active surveillance, epidemiology, Supreme Council of Healt