Surveillance of diseases with high potential epidemic in Conakry: meningitis, cholera and bacillary dysentery (2009 - 2013)

Introduction: Diarrheal diseases and meningitis are among the first causes of death in the world. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the follow-up of the epidemiological surveillance of diseases with epidemic potential at the laboratories of the National Hospital of Donka (LHND), the National Hospital of Ignace Deen (LHNID) and the National Institute of Public Health (LINSP). Material and Methods: This was a four years retrospective study, from May 1st, 2009 to May 1st, 2013. Data collection was made from the registers. Results: Only the LHND had notified cases of cholera (17 cases =100%). The frequency of proven cases by gender was respectively 52.94% men for 47.06% women. The most affected age groups were those of 21-40 years (41.18%) and 41-60 years (29.41%). The mean age was 21.59 ± 4.71 years. During this survey period, the LINSP notified more cases of meningitis (60%), followed by the LHND (21.88%) and the LHNID (18.12%). The age group from 0 to 5 years was the most affected by meningitis with 84.29% for LHND and 77.59% for LHNID. The mean age was 2.87 ± 0.63 year. The Hemophilus influenzae b was the most encountered with 55.73% at the LINSP, 47.15% at the LHND and 27.59% at the LHNID. Five of twenty suspected samples for red diarrhea were positive for Shigella dysenteriae. Conclusion: The epidemiological surveillance of diseases with epidemic potential is useful and necessary for the control, prevention and fight against these infectious bacterial diseases.