effects of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis in Islamic Republic of Iran military forces during the years 1981 to 2009

ABSTRACT

Meningococcal meningitis is usually seen in overpopulated areas such as military barracks and causes high levels of mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study is to determine the role of vaccination as an interventional method in preventing this infection during 1981 to 2009 in Islamic Republic of Iran Military Forces. In a cross-sectional, the related documents in three other projects, including the mortality rate in high risk populations, intervention by vaccination and its efficiency in the soldiers, were surveyed along with the epidemiological evidences found using advanced laboratory method. The results indicated that the good vaccination has succeeded in protecting at risk groups with high levels of immunity. However, the vaccination accompanied with improved management of the patients resulted in a decrease in the mortality rate less than 0.1% by the end of 2008. Most of the patients who were at risk of meningitis were retired personals and their families. In addition, 35% of bacterial meningitis was due to Streptococcus pneumoniae. The results of this research indicated that the prevalence of mortality decreased from 106 cases in 2001 to nearly zero in 2009 which is due to control of meningococcal meningitis by vaccination and shows its significant impact on infection reduction