Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 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 disease burden of invasive meningococcal serogroup B disease in Canada

Julie A Bettinger1, David W Scheifele, Nicole Le Saux

  • 1Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. jbettinger@cfri.ca

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|August 29, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B is a significant health concern in Canada, particularly in young children. Evaluating new serogroup B vaccines is crucial for potential prevention and control strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a rare but severe infection in Canada.
  • New vaccines targeting serogroup B offer potential for IMD prevention and control.
  • This study examines the disease burden of serogroup B IMD in Canada.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the incidence and characteristics of invasive meningococcal disease in Canada from 2002 to 2011.
  • To specifically assess the burden of serogroup B invasive meningococcal infections.
  • To inform potential vaccination strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Active, population-based surveillance was conducted in 12 Canadian metropolitan areas.
  • Data collected included laboratory-confirmed Neisseria meningitidis infections in adults and children.
  • Surveillance period spanned from 2002 to 2011.

Main Results:

  • A total of 769 IMD cases were recorded between 2002 and 2011.
  • Serogroup B was the most common cause of IMD, with the highest incidence across all age groups.
  • Peak incidence in infants under 1 year was observed in 2009; serogroup B incidence peaked in 2007.

Conclusions:

  • Serogroup B IMD significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality in Canada.
  • Serogroup B is the leading cause of IMD in the country.
  • Further evaluation of serogroup B vaccine effectiveness is needed to consider universal immunization programs.

More Related Videos

Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells10:12

Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells

Published on: July 14, 2020

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization10:19

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization

Published on: November 16, 2016

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 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...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...