MODERN ASPECTS OF EPIDEMIOLOGY, CLINICAL FEATURES, AND DIAGNOSIS OF MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTION

Abstract:

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the current features of meningococcal infection (MI) in the adult population. Based on data from the epidemiological surveillance of the and international studies, current trends in morbidity are considered, including a shift in peaks towards adolescents and young adults, the role of social factors (organized groups, crowding, migration) and seasonal fluctuations. The modern features of the clinical picture are described in detail: from nasopharyngitis and meningococcemia to purulent meningitis and fulminant forms with Waterhouse-Friederiksen syndrome. Special attention is paid to the variability of the onset of the disease, the difficulties of early diagnosis (masquerading as acute respiratory viral infections, absence of pathognomonic symptoms), polymorphism of hemorrhagic rash and a high risk of life-threatening complications (infectious and toxic shock, DIC syndrome, cerebral edema, multiple organ failure). The possibilities and limitations of modern laboratory diagnostic methods (microscopy, culture examination, PCR, ELISA) are analyzed, and the critical importance of early etiological verification for prognosis is emphasized. The necessity of strengthening the vigilance of primary care physicians and specialists in relation to MI in adults, improving epidemiological surveillance and immunoprophylaxis in risk groups is substantiated