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New Zealand's epidemic of meningococcal disease described using molecular analysis: implications for vaccine delivery

K Dyet1, A Devoy, R McDowell

  • 1Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), 34 Kenepuru Drive, Porirua, New Zealand.

Vaccine
|March 10, 2005
PubMed

Insights

New Zealand experienced a meningococcal disease epidemic driven by a specific bacterial strain. A stable PorA protein suggests a targeted outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccine could control this public health issue.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Microbiology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • New Zealand has faced a significant epidemic of meningococcal disease since 1991.
  • Surveillance involves disease notification and detailed organism characterization.
  • Case numbers dramatically increased from 1990 to 2001.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiology of meningococcal disease in New Zealand.
  • To identify the driving strain of the epidemic.
  • To assess the potential for vaccine control.

Main Methods:

  • Disease notification data analysis.
  • Bacterial strain characterization (serogroup, PorA type, ST complex).
  • Assessment of PorA protein stability.

Main Results:

  • Meningococcal disease rates peaked at 17.4 per 100,000 in 2001.
  • The epidemic is attributed to strain B:4:P1.7b,4, ST-41/44 complex/Lineage III.
  • The P1.7b,4 PorA protein demonstrated stability.

Conclusions:

  • The meningococcal disease epidemic in New Zealand has specific demographic impacts.
  • The identified strain and its stable PorA protein are key to understanding the epidemic.
  • A strain-specific outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccine is a potential control strategy.

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