Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026
Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
Published on: November 5, 2019
The epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease in EU/EEA countries, 2004-2014
Robert Whittaker1, Joana Gomes Dias1, Miriam Ramliden2
1European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden.
Background:
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a major cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia although infection by some serogroups may be prevented through vaccination. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of IMD in EU/EEA countries during 2004-2014 to monitor serogroup- and age-specific trends, and compare country trends by the period of meningococcal C conjugate (MCC) vaccine introduction.
Methods:
We analysed IMD surveillance data by age, gender, serogroup, country and outcome. We estimated the percentage change in annual notification rate (NR), using linear regression analysis of the log of the annual NR. We grouped countries by the year they introduced MCC vaccination into their routine immunisation programmes.
Results:
The overall NR was 0.9/100 000 population, and decreased 6.6% (95%CI: -8.0%;-5.1%) annually. Infants had the highest NR (16.0/100 000), and there were decreasing trends in all age groups <50years. Serogroup B (SgB) caused 74% of all cases, and the majority of cases in all age groups. There were decreasing trends in SgB and serogroup C (SgC) and an increasing trend in serogroup Y. Countries that introduced MCC vaccination before, and between 2004 and 2014, had decreasing trends in NR of SgC, but not countries without routine MCC vaccination.
Conclusions:
Our findings support evidence that routine MCC vaccination was the driving force behind the decreasing SgC trend. Vaccinating against SgB in the first year of life could help reduce the burden of IMD due to this serogroup. Changing serogroup-specific NR trends highlight the need for high-quality surveillance data to accurately assess the changing epidemiology of IMD, the effectiveness and impact of implemented vaccines, and the need for future vaccines.
Insights
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) rates declined annually, with serogroup C cases decreasing significantly after meningococcal C conjugate (MCC) vaccine introduction. Further vaccination strategies are needed to combat other serogroups.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) remains a significant cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia.
- Vaccination against certain serogroups offers a preventative measure against IMD.
- Understanding IMD epidemiology is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of IMD in EU/EEA countries from 2004-2014.
- To monitor serogroup- and age-specific trends in IMD.
- To compare country-specific trends in relation to meningococcal C conjugate (MCC) vaccine introduction.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of IMD surveillance data, including age, gender, serogroup, country, and outcome.
- Estimation of annual percentage change in notification rates (NR) using linear regression.
- Grouping countries based on the introduction period of MCC vaccination into routine immunization programs.
Main Results:
- Overall IMD NR decreased by 6.6% annually; infants experienced the highest NR.
- Serogroup B (SgB) was the predominant cause (74%) of IMD across all age groups.
- Countries introducing MCC vaccination showed decreasing trends in serogroup C (SgC) IMD, unlike those without routine vaccination.
Conclusions:
- Routine MCC vaccination is a key factor in the decline of SgC IMD.
- Vaccination against SgB in infancy could reduce the overall IMD burden.
- High-quality surveillance is essential for tracking IMD epidemiology and vaccine effectiveness.
Related Concept Videos
01:08Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...