Since May 1979 all meningococcal strains isolated in the GDR have been investigated microbiologically. Despite a generally low incidence, a marked increase in meningococcal infections has been observed. From a total of 650 strains sent to our institute up to 1984, 515 could be serogrouped. 54 strains belonged to serogroup A, 292 to B, 125 to C, two to X, eight to Y, one to Z, 30 to W-135 and three to 29E. There were no substantial changes in the distribution of the groups. In our study we tried to find out whether there are any correlations between the epidemiological and microbiological data. A record was made of the age distribution, clinical picture and regional distribution of the meningococcal strains isolated. Rifampicin chemoprophylaxis of contacts was introduced in 1981.

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