Chemoprophylaxis of meningitis.

Chemoprophylaxis of meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae may be determined by the epidemiology of transmission, the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the organisms, and the usage of vaccines. A review of transmission in England distinguishes differences in sporadic and cluster meningococcal infections. Because of resistance to sulphadiazine, rifampicin and ciprofloxacin are prophylactic agents of choice. Vaccination can be a useful adjunct to antibiotic prophylaxis. Prophylaxis for meningitis due to H. influenzae type b can be provided by rifampicin and vaccination can also be an adjunct to antibiotic prophylaxis.