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Clinical presentation of meningococcal disease in childhood

C Sabatini1, S Bosis, M Semino

  • 1Pediatric Clinic 1, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.

Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene
|December 18, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Meningococcal disease, a significant childhood killer, causes severe illness and death. New vaccines targeting emerging serotypes offer a crucial opportunity to reduce the global burden of this infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vaccinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Meningococcal disease remains a leading infectious cause of childhood mortality globally, with significant morbidity among survivors.
  • Common presentations include meningitis and sepsis, with serogroups A, B, C, W-135, X, and Y being the primary causative agents worldwide.
  • Emerging serotypes and the high mortality rate of severe cases underscore the need for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the global health impact of meningococcal disease, emphasizing its mortality and long-term sequelae.
  • To discuss the evolving landscape of meningococcal serotypes causing disease globally.
  • To underscore the importance of prevention through vaccination, particularly with new vaccines covering emerging serotypes.

Main Methods:

  • This content is a review and synthesis of existing knowledge on meningococcal disease epidemiology and prevention.
  • Analysis of reported cases, mortality rates, and long-term sequelae associated with meningococcal infections.
  • Evaluation of the impact of emerging serotypes and the role of current and novel vaccine technologies.

Main Results:

  • Meningococcal disease has an 8% overall mortality rate in children, with higher rates (15-30%) in severe cases (fulminant meningococcemia).
  • Survivors face a 10-30% risk of long-term sequelae, including neurological and cognitive impairments.
  • Serotypes A, B, C, W-135, X, and Y are responsible for the majority of global cases, with W-135, X, and Y showing recent emergence.

Conclusions:

  • Prevention is paramount due to the severity and potential complications of meningococcal disease.
  • The development of new vaccines targeting emerging serotypes (A, Y) and serogroup B is a critical advancement.
  • Vaccination represents a key strategy to decrease the global burden of meningococcal disease and its associated mortality and morbidity.

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