Title of article :
Short Communication: Absence of Neisseria meningitidis from Throat Swabs of Kuwaiti Pilgrims after Returning from the Hajj
Author/Authors :
Husain, Entesar H. Kuwait University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Pediatrics, Kuwait , Dashti, Ali A. Kuwait University - Faculty of Allied Health Sciences - Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kuwait , Electricwala, Qudsiya Y. Kuwait University - Faculty of Allied Health - Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kuwait , AbdulSamad, AbdulSamad M. Kuwait University - Amiri Hospital - Department of Surgery, Kuwait , Al-Sayegh, Safeya Quadsiya Family Medicine Center - Department of Family Medicine, Kuwait
Abstract :
Objective: To investigate whether or not Neisseria meningitidis was present in the throat of Kuwaiti pilgrims after returning from the Hajj. Method: Throat swabs were taken from 177 participants 1 week after returning from the Hajj. The participants were asked about: associated medical conditions, meningococcal vaccination status and the intake of ciprofloxacin before leaving Mecca for Kuwait. Results: There was no throat colonization with N. meningitidis on any of the throat swabs. Of the 177 pilgrims, 163 (92%) were vaccinated with meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine before leaving to Saudi Arabia. Ninety-seven of the pilgrims (83%) had received one dose of ciprofloxacin before leaving Mecca. Conclusion: The result showed that vaccination before leaving Kuwait and ciprofloxacin prophylaxis were effective in preventing throat colonization with Neisseria meningitidis.
Keywords :
Ciprofloxacin , Meningococcal disease , Neisseria meningitidis , Quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine
Journal title :
Medical Principles and Practice
Journal title :
Medical Principles and Practice
