Evaluation of the prophylactic effect of gamma globulin in meningococcal infection

• Published in: Journal of hygiene, epidemiology, microbiology, and immunology Vol. 22; no. 2; p. 230
• Main Authors: Pokrovskii, V I, Demina, A A, Cend, N, Devyatkina, N V, Zhamba, G, Semina, N A, Ochirvaan, G, Ceren, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Czech Republic 1978
• Subjects: Child, Preschool; gamma-Globulins - therapeutic use; Humans; Infant; Meningococcal Infections - prevention & control
• ISSN: 0022-1732

Results of two controlled epidemiological tests evaluating the prophylactic effect of gamma globulin of Monogolian and Soviet production against meningococcal infection are presented. Observations were carried out on children aged 3 months to 4 years, not attending children's establishments. The results of the observation revealed the following prophylactic effect of gamma globulin of Mongolian production in the first two months after administration: index of efficiency--5.0, coefficient of efficiency--80%, P greater than 0.01. The efficiency of the prophylactic effect of Soviet gamma globulin was limited to one month: the index of efficiency amounted to 5.3, the coefficient of efficiency to 82.2%, P greater than 0.01. The course of meningococcal infection in the children who had received gamma globulin was less severe than in the children of the control group. Lethal outcome was recorded only in the group of children who had not received gamma globulin. The duration of the prophylactic effect of gamma globulin was found to depend on the height of the titres of specific antibodies in the preparation. The preparations are recommended as prophylactic means for children aged from 3 months to 4 years in doses of 1.5 ml (one dose) in the foci of meningococcal infection.