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Severe meningococcal disease in childhood
1Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital, Eaton Road, Liverpool L12 2AP, UK. paul.baines@rlch-tr.nwest.nhs.uk
British Journal of Anaesthesia
|December 19, 2002
Summary
Meningococcal disease is a significant UK health concern, particularly for children. Current vaccines only protect against Group C, which accounts for less than half of invasive cases.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Meningococcal disease is a major cause of illness and death in UK children.
- While prevalent in children, adults are also susceptible to meningococcal infections.
- Existing meningococcal vaccines provide protection solely against Group C strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the ongoing public health burden of meningococcal disease in the UK.
- To underscore the limitations of current vaccines in addressing the full spectrum of the disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on meningococcal disease incidence and mortality in the UK.
- Analysis of vaccine efficacy and coverage for different meningococcal groups.
Main Results:
- Meningococcal disease continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK.
- Group C meningococcal disease represents less than 50% of all invasive cases.
- Current vaccines offer limited protection against the overall burden of meningococcal disease.
Conclusions:
- There is a need for broader protection against meningococcal disease beyond Group C.
- Further vaccine development is crucial to reduce the impact of this infection in the UK.