Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
10:03
Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
Published on: November 5, 2019
Meningococcal disease in children in Merseyside, England: a 31 year descriptive study.
Michelle C Stanton1, David Taylor-Robinson, David Harris
1Lancaster Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom. m.stanton@lancaster.ac.uk
Plos One
|October 22, 2011
Summary
Meningococcal disease (MCD) in UK children shows increased risk of death with septicaemia (MS) and links to social deprivation. The meningococcal C conjugate (MCC) vaccine significantly reduced serogroup C cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Meningococcal disease (MCD) is a leading cause of infectious death in UK children.
- MCD commonly manifests as meningitis (MM), septicaemia (MS), or both (MM/MS).
- Understanding MCD epidemiology and risk factors is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the changing epidemiology and clinical presentation of MCD in children.
- To investigate associations between MCD, socioeconomic status, and mortality.
- To evaluate the impact of the meningococcal C conjugate (MCC) vaccine.
Main Methods:
- A 30-year hospital-based study (1977-2007) of 1157 children with MCD at Alder Hey Children's Foundation Trust.
- Data collection included demographics, clinical presentations, microbiological confirmation, and socioeconomic deprivation measures.
- Statistical analysis explored risk factors for mortality and associations with deprivation.
Main Results:
- The majority of MCD cases occurred in children aged 1-4 years.
- A significant decline in serogroup C cases followed MCC vaccine introduction.
- Meningococcal septicaemia (MS) presentation and serogroup C disease were independent risk factors for mortality.
- MCD cases originated from a more deprived population compared to the general reference population.
Conclusions:
- Meningococcal septicaemia (MS) is a confirmed risk factor for MCD-related mortality.
- Social deprivation is associated with an increased risk of MCD.
- The MCC vaccine has been effective in reducing serogroup C meningococcal disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Bacterial 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...
01:24Bacterial 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...
01:18Viral 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...
01:26Bacterial 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...
01:27Cryptococcal 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,...
01:26Rocky 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.