Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 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

A review of vaccine research and development: meningococcal disease

Marc P Girard1, Marie-Pierre Preziosi, Maria-Teresa Aguado

  • 1University Paris 7, 39 Rue Seignemartin, FR-69008-Lyon, France. marc.girard@wanadoo.fr

Vaccine
|April 20, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Research reviews vaccines for meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Conjugate vaccines show promise for serogroups A, C, Y, and W, but Group B meningitis prevention remains a challenge.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Meningococcal disease, caused by Neisseria meningitidis, is a significant cause of meningitis and septicemia with epidemic potential.
  • Five serogroups (A, B, C, Y, W135) cause most disease, with Group A unique for large-scale epidemics, particularly in Africa and Asia.
  • Groups B and C are the primary causes of meningococcal disease in Europe and America.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current status of vaccine research and development for meningococcal disease.
  • To highlight the progress and challenges in developing vaccines against different Neisseria meningitidis serogroups.
  • To discuss the potential impact of conjugate vaccines on disease prevention and elimination.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current research and development in meningococcal vaccines.
  • Analysis of the efficacy and impact of existing and emerging vaccine technologies.
  • Examination of epidemiological data regarding Neisseria meningitidis serogroups and disease burden.

Main Results:

  • Polysaccharide conjugate vaccines are being developed, building on successes with Hib and pneumococcal vaccines.
  • Group C conjugate vaccines are immunogenic, induce memory, reduce colonization, and provide herd immunity.
  • Monovalent Group A conjugate vaccines offer hope for eliminating epidemics in Africa; multivalent (A, C, Y, W) vaccines are in development, with one licensed.
  • Development of a Group B vaccine, likely using outer membrane proteins, is crucial for global prevention.

Conclusions:

  • Conjugate vaccines represent a significant advancement in preventing meningococcal disease, particularly for serogroups A, C, Y, and W.
  • While progress has been made, a Group B vaccine remains essential for comprehensive global control of meningococcal disease.
  • Continued research and development are vital to achieve effective global prevention strategies against all major serogroups.

More Related Videos

Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice08:52

Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice

Published on: February 22, 2019

Opsono-Adherence Assay to Evaluate Functional Antibodies in Vaccine Development Against Bacillus anthracis and Other Encapsulated Pathogens13:47

Opsono-Adherence Assay to Evaluate Functional Antibodies in Vaccine Development Against Bacillus anthracis and Other Encapsulated Pathogens

Published on: May 19, 2020

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
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,...