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Management and prevention of meningococcal disease
Hospital Practice (1995)
|August 24, 2000
Insights
Meningococcal disease is a leading cause of child mortality. A new protein-conjugated group C vaccine shows promise in reducing deaths from this serious infection by up to 40%.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Meningococcal disease remains a significant infectious cause of death in children, despite advances in controlling other childhood illnesses.
- Key challenges in managing meningococcal disease include increased intracranial pressure (meningitis) and toxic shock (septicemia).
Abstract:
While many other illnesses affecting children have been contained or even eliminated, meningococcal disease has become a leading infectious cause of death. The major management challenge may be increased intracranial pressure or toxic shock, depending on whether meningitis or septicemia predominates. A new protein-conjugated group C vaccine is expected to reduce deaths by as much as 40%.