Sulphonamide-resistant meningococci in Norwegian naval recruits. An epidemiological study in connection with penicillin prophylaxis.

AbstractDuring the winter 1969 6 cases of meningococcal meningitis occurred in a naval training centre in Norway. After sulphonamide prophylaxis, 88.3% of meningococcal carrier strains were resistant to sulphonamides (11). Penicillin prophylaxis was attempted, and the carrier rates before, shortly after, and one week after treatment were 59.3, 34.8 and 53.2%, respectively. The proportion of sulphonamide-resistant strains was nearly equal on all occasions. In the permanent staff, which had also been subjected to prophylaxis, 3 surveys revealed carrier rates varying between 20.5 and 24.7%. In senior officers and civilian employees the carrier rate was considerably lower than among the younger members of the staff. It is concluded that the meningococci harboured by carriers are only temporarily depressed by penicillin treatment, and that this drug is of no value in the prophylaxis of meningococcal meningitis.