Risk factors for acquisition of meningococcal carriage in the African meningitis belt.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To investigate potential risk factors for acquisition in seven countries of the meningitis belt.

Methods

Households were followed up every 2 weeks for 2 months, then monthly for a further 4 months. Pharyngeal swabs were collected from all available household members at each visit and questionnaires completed. Risks of acquisition over the whole study period and for each visit were analysed by a series of logistic regressions.

Results

Over the course of the study, acquisition was higher in: (i) 5-to 14-year olds, as compared with those 30 years or older (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.4-9.9); (ii) smokers (OR 3.6, 95% CI 0.98-13); and (iii) those exposed to wood smoke at home (OR 2.6 95% CI 1.3-5.6). The risk of acquisition from one visit to the next was higher in those re

SUBMITTER: Cooper LV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6563094 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature