Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

The 2001 serological survey in the Czech Republic--invasive meningococcal disease

P Krízová1

  • 1National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic. pavla.krizova@szu.cz

Central European Journal of Public Health
|April 15, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The Czech population has high immunity to meningococcus A but low immunity to meningococcus B and C. Continued surveillance is recommended, with meningococcus C conjugate vaccine replacing older A+C vaccines.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Epidemiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis.
  • Meningococcal disease outbreaks necessitate understanding population immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the immunity of the Czech population against specific serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis.
  • To inform vaccination strategies based on current epidemiological data.

Main Methods:

  • A microplate assay was used to test 730 serum samples from diverse age groups in the Czech Republic.
  • Antibody presence against N. meningitidis serogroups A, B, and C was quantified.

Main Results:

  • High levels of bactericidal antibodies against N. meningitidis serogroup A were observed.
  • Low immunity was detected against N. meningitidis serogroups B and C.

Conclusions:

  • Current vaccination recommendations do not necessitate routine meningococcus A vaccination.
  • Invasive meningococcal disease surveillance should continue for early detection of changes.
  • Meningococcus C conjugate vaccine is recommended to replace the polysaccharide A+C vaccine in the Czech Republic.

More Related Videos

Cultivation Methods of Spirochetes from Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Complex and Relapsing Fever Borrelia10:37

Cultivation Methods of Spirochetes from Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Complex and Relapsing Fever Borrelia

Published on: November 25, 2022

A Multiplex Serological Assay for the Detection of Antibody Responses to Arboviruses05:22

A Multiplex Serological Assay for the Detection of Antibody Responses to Arboviruses

Published on: November 4, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...