EPIDEMIOLOGICAL, CLINICAL, AND LABORATORY CHARACTERISTICS OF MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTION IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA, 2015–2025

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics of meningococcal infection (MI) cases reported in the Republic of Moldova during 2015–2025.

Methods. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted. Epidemiological trends were assessed using aggregated data reported through Statistical Form No. 2. Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory characteristics were analysed for 165/202 cases (81.7%) with at least one available individual source: an inpatient medical record and/or an epidemiological investigation form. Age, sex, territory, clinical form, outcome, epidemiological contact and etiological confirmation were analysed. Absolute frequencies, proportions, incidence per 100,000 population and case-fatality were calculated.

Results. During 2015–2025, 202 cases and 35 deaths were reported, corresponding to a case-fatality of 17.3% (35/202). In the individual dataset of 165 cases, 33 deaths were documented, with a case-fatality of 20.0% (33/165). Children aged ≤5 years accounted for 119 cases (72.1%). The most frequent clinical forms were acute meningococcemia – 77 cases (46.7%), meningococcal meningitis – 25 cases (15.2%), unspecified meningococcal infection – 24 cases (14.5%) and the mixed form – 24 cases (14.5%). Neisseria meningitidis was identified in 47 cases (28.5%), while serogroup C was documented in one case.

Conclusions. MI predominantly affected children aged ≤5 years and was characterized by severe clinical forms and high case-fatality. Strengthening surveillance requires standardized completion of clinical and epidemiological data, prompt collection of biological samples, expanded laboratory confirmation and systematic serogrouping of confirmed cases.