Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

COVID-19 Seroprevalence Test for IgG Antibody Levels Among Healthy Donors Across Different Pandemic Phases in Jeddah
04:43

COVID-19 Seroprevalence Test for IgG Antibody Levels Among Healthy Donors Across Different Pandemic Phases in Jeddah

Published on: June 24, 2025

Serogroup B meningococcal disease during Hajj: preparing for the worst scenario

Mohamed K M Khalil1, Ray Borrow

  • 1Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. statkhl@hotmail.com

Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
|September 1, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Meningococcal disease outbreaks linked to the Hajj pilgrimage are shifting. Increased serogroup B cases, for which no universal vaccine exists, necessitate greater preparedness for future Hajj seasons.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious disease epidemiology
  • Vaccinology
  • Public health surveillance

Background:

  • The Islamic Hajj pilgrimage has historically seen outbreaks of meningococcal disease, particularly serogroups A and W135.
  • Vaccination with meningococcal polysaccharide vaccines (bivalent A/C or quadrivalent A/C/Y/W135) has successfully suppressed these outbreaks since 2002.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the emerging trend of serogroup B meningococcal disease in countries with large Muslim populations.
  • To emphasize the need for increased preparedness for potential shifts in meningococcal disease etiology during the Hajj.

Main Methods:

  • Observational analysis of historical meningococcal disease trends associated with the Hajj.
  • Review of vaccination strategies and their impact on disease suppression.
  • Monitoring of current serogroup trends in relevant populations.

Main Results:

  • Meningococcal disease outbreaks primarily involving serogroups A and W135 have been historically associated with the Hajj.
  • Vaccination efforts have significantly reduced the incidence of serogroups A and W135 meningococcal disease since 2002.
  • A concerning trend of increased serogroup B meningococcal disease is now observed in populations undertaking the Hajj.

Conclusions:

  • The shift towards serogroup B meningococcal disease poses a new challenge, as no universal vaccine is currently available.
  • Enhanced surveillance and preparedness are crucial to manage the evolving threat of meningococcal disease during the Hajj pilgrimage.
  • Future public health strategies must address the challenge of serogroup B in meningococcal disease prevention during mass gatherings.

More Related Videos

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage07:47

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage

Published on: February 15, 2013

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/4306:06

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43

Published on: September 11, 2020

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...
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...
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...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.