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Meningococcal serotypes and serogroup B disease in north-west Europe
Abstract:
Examination of the trends of meningococcal infection in Norway, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Denmark, England and Wales, and the Netherlands, has shown that Neisseria meningitidis B:2b:P1.2 and/or B:2a:P1.2 phenotypes were associated with peaks of infection in the Netherlands in 1966, in Iceland 1976-77, and in England and Wales in 1973-75. These strains were present in all six countries in the decade 1970-80 but their prevalence is now practically negligible. In contrast the prevalence of the B:15:P1.16 phenotype has risen. In the Faroe Islands and northern Norway this change in serotype prevalence has been followed by rises in incidence of meningococcal disease; the same is happening in England and Wales but not yet in the other countries.
Insights
Meningococcal infection trends show a decline in B:2b:P1.2 and B:2a:P1.2 strains across Europe. A rise in B:15:P1.16 strains correlates with increased disease incidence in some regions.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B infections have historically shown distinct phenotypic trends across European countries.
- Specific meningococcal B phenotypes, such as B:2b:P1.2 and B:2a:P1.2, were previously associated with infection peaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the changing prevalence of Neisseria meningitidis phenotypes in relation to meningococcal disease incidence.
- To identify emerging serotype trends and their potential impact on public health.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of meningococcal infection data and bacterial strain phenotypes.
- Cross-country comparison of serotype prevalence and disease incidence trends over several decades.
Main Results:
- Phenotypes B:2b:P1.2 and/or B:2a:P1.2, once linked to infection peaks (Netherlands 1966, Iceland 1976-77, England/Wales 1973-75), are now negligible.
- A significant increase in the prevalence of the B:15:P1.16 phenotype has been observed.
- Rising incidence of meningococcal disease has followed the B:15:P1.16 prevalence increase in the Faroe Islands, northern Norway, and England and Wales.
Conclusions:
- The epidemiological landscape of meningococcal disease is shifting due to changes in circulating bacterial strain phenotypes.
- The increasing prevalence of the B:15:P1.16 phenotype warrants continued surveillance due to its association with rising disease incidence in specific regions.