FIVE-YEAR CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTIONS AT “SF. PARASCHEVA” INFECTIOUS DISEASES HOSPITAL DURING 2014 – 2018

Aim: To evaluate the epidemiological, clinical-biological and therapeutic data and to assess the influence of standard pretreatment prognosis score on the evolution on meningococcal infection. Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of the hospital-based medical records of patients with acute meningococcal infections admitted to the Iasi Clinic of Infectious Diseases between 2014 and 2018. Selection of patients with classic clinical symptoms of meningitis was based on Gram staining, culture and latex agglutination. The risk factors for complications or death were assessed. Results: A total of 370 meningitis patients hospitalized between 2014 and 2018 were reviewed. Meningococcal infections were recorded in 8.05% cases of bacterial meningitis. CSF cultures were positive for only 60% of the study patients. Co-agglutination was clinically useful for confirming the diagnosis in 38% cases. Mortality rate was 14.3% and was related to meningococcemia. Platelet count was the most important predictor in fatal cases. The results showed a poor correlation between length of hospital stay and standard pretreatment prognostic score (r=0.201). Conclusions: Meningococcal infection remains a significant health problem because of its serious complications and high mortality rate. The results of this study highlight the importance of implementing the meningococcal immunization programs in our country.