Outcome of meningococcal group B meningitis.

Sixty children who survived meningitis during the outbreak of meningococcal group B infection in Bolton 1971-74 were assessed between 5 and 9 years later. Each case, together with a matched control, has been examined clinically and subjected to a number of psychological tests and to routine audiology. The results, unlike those from other series, did not demonstrate any incoordination, ataxia, or other physical abnormality, nor was there any statistically significant impairment on psychological testing. The incidence of sensorineural deafness (5%), although marginally lower, was comparable with the best of other series. When compared with the incidence in controls (3%) it is not statistically significant. A 'mattress test', suggestive of vestibular damage, was positive in those with more severe degrees of sensorineural deafness. The high mortality in the Bolton series (17%) has been reconsidered and it is concluded that unless a potent meningococcus type B vaccine is developed, mortality would still be high in a similar outbreak today.