From August 2004 to January 2005 a cluster of 7 cases of serogroup B meningococcal disease occurred in the state of Saxony-Anhalt in the town of Sangerhausen and the surrounding area. This led to an investigation of meningococcal carriage in 816 high school students (grades 9 to 13). The students were also asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding possible risk factors for carriage. The goal of the study was the evaluation of a possibly persistently increased risk for further cases in the region. Results of the study were to be used for a comprehensive and targeted education of the public. The percentage of students found harbouring N. meningitidis in the nasopharynx in Sangerhausen (9.0 %) was not elevated compared to that found in the two control regions of Kelbra, County of Sangerhausen (8.2 %) and Jessen, County of Wittenberg (9.9 %). The serogroup B fine type responsible for the cluster (P1.7-2,16:F3-3:PorB3-24) was found only in one student each in Sangerhausen and Kelbra. Thus, there was no evidence of an increased risk for further cases at the time of the study at the end of January, 2005. This may have been due to intensive contact tracing and provision of chemoprophylaxis in Sangerhausen. Visiting a disco or bar and smoking were identified as risk factors for meningococcal carriage. However, these factors were associated with carriage only in boys but not in girls. This may be explained by sex-specific differences in physical interaction with others. Efforts to prevent further cases during clusters of meningococcal disease should consider sex-specific risk behaviour.

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Although microlaryngoscopy is an integral part of surgical routine of otorhinolaryngologists, there is no population-based data published on surgery rates and efficiency of microlaryngoscopy country-wide or nation-wide. All 616 patients who underwent microlaryngoscopy 2011 in one of the eight ENT departments in Thuringia were analyzed according to patients' characteristics, therapy, complications and follow-up. The majority of admissions were performed because of a benign disease (60%) of the larynx, and in 33% related to a malignant disease or suspicion of a malignant disease. When a benign disease was suspected, it was confirmed 98% of cases. When a malignant tumor was suspected, it was confirmed in 51% of cases, i. e. ruled out in 49% of cases. Transient laryngeal edema (22%) and bleeding needing revision surgery (1%) were the most frequent or serve observed postoperative sequelae. Teeth damage occurred only in 2 cases (0.2%). A recurrence of the primary disease was observed in 14%. Longer surgery time was an independent predictor for postoperative bleeding and for postoperative laryngeal edema (p=0.050 and p=0.013, respectively). Revision surgery (p<0.0001) and a final diagnosis of a malignant disease (p=0.017) were independent predictors for recurrence of the primary disease. The overall incidence of microlaryngoscopy was 22.98/100000 population. The highest incidence was seen for patients 50-59 years of age with 39.76/100000. Benign diseases were the most frequent indication with 19.33/100000. This population-based analysis is showing that microlaryngoscopy is performed effectively and with low postoperative risks in daily routine of otorhinolaryngologists.