Outbreak of meningococcal disease after an influenza B epidemic at a Hellenic Air Force recruit training center

Clin Infect Dis. 2001 Sep 15;33(6):e48-50. doi: 10.1086/322609. Epub 2001 Aug 6.

Abstract

In January 1996, during an outbreak of meningococcal disease at a Hellenic Air Force recruit center in southern Greece, we collected paired serum specimens from 55 randomly selected recruits and tested for antibodies against influenza virus types A and B. Of 55 specimens, 15 (27%) were found to be positive for recent influenza B infection, confirming previous reports that respiratory tract infection due to influenza is probably a predisposing factor for meningococcal disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Greece / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Influenza B virus / immunology
  • Influenza, Human / complications*
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology*
  • Influenza, Human / immunology
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / drug therapy
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / epidemiology*
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / etiology*
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / prevention & control
  • Military Personnel

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral