Meningococcal infections in England and Wales: 1992.

Fewer cases of meningococcal infection were identified in England and Wales during 1992 than in 1991. The 1301 isolates received by the PHLS Meningococcal Reference Unit represented a decrease of 7%, continuing the trend of the last two years. Most regions saw a reduction in cases, but increased numbers of isolates were received from some regions, notably Northern (up 22%), East Anglia (up 25%) and South West Thames (up 50%). Group C infections (down 17%) contributed disproportionately to the decrease; the numbers of isolates of this organism being the lowest since 1986. Serology is a reliable diagnostic method in cases where no isolate is obtained.