Three cases of meningococcal infection in a family, associated with a deficient immune response

Abstract

During a 3-month period there were 3 cases of meningococcal meningitis in a family of 9 children. Sulphadiazine chemoprophylaxis failed, and carriage of the meningococcus continued in the family until finally eradicated by the use of rifampicin. 8 of the 9 children were found to have both a low IgM level and a low titre of meningococcal antibody.