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Complications of serogroup B meningococcal disease in survivors: a review
Fereshteh Dastouri, Ahmad Mirmohammad Hosseini, Elizabeth Haworth
1National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Kids Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia. fereshteh.dastouri@health.nsw.gov.au.
Abstract:
This systematic review evaluates the prevalence of long-term complications of serogroup B meningococcal disease (MD) in light of the recent licensure of a vaccine against meningococcal B disease. Twelve appropriate studies were identified by searching available databases from 1946 to July 2014. The average prevalence of hearing impairment was 4.2% among serogroup B MD survivors; 2.3% suffered amputation and 2.3% developed seizures. When compared with complications due to non-meningococcal B bacterial meningitis, physical impairment and seizures were more common in survivors of meningococcal B disease but hearing impairment had similar prevalence. Few studies quantified less frequent complications such as visual impairment and cognitive dysfunction. Better comprehensive reporting of the complications and costs of serogroup B MD in survivors and their families is needed to inform vaccination policy.
Insights
Long-term complications of serogroup B meningococcal disease (MD) include hearing impairment (4.2%), amputation (2.3%), and seizures (2.3%). Further research is needed to inform vaccination policies for meningococcal B disease.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Serogroup B meningococcal disease (MD) can lead to severe long-term health issues.
- Recent availability of a meningococcal B vaccine necessitates understanding disease sequelae.
- Limited data exists on the full spectrum of complications and their impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the prevalence of long-term complications following serogroup B MD.
- To compare complication rates in serogroup B MD survivors with those of other bacterial meningitis.
- To identify gaps in reporting for less frequent complications.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published literature from 1946 to July 2014.
- Inclusion of twelve relevant studies evaluating long-term sequelae of serogroup B MD.
- Analysis of prevalence data for various complications including hearing impairment, amputation, and seizures.
Main Results:
- Average prevalence of hearing impairment was 4.2% among serogroup B MD survivors.
- Amputation and seizures each affected 2.3% of serogroup B MD survivors.
- Physical impairment and seizures were more frequent in serogroup B MD survivors compared to other bacterial meningitis, while hearing impairment prevalence was similar.
Conclusions:
- Serogroup B meningococcal disease results in significant long-term complications, including hearing impairment, amputation, and seizures.
- There is a need for more comprehensive reporting on less frequent complications like visual and cognitive dysfunction.
- Improved data on complications and associated costs is crucial for informing effective vaccination policies against meningococcal B disease.
