Serogroup B Meningococcus Outbreaks, Prevalence, and the Case for Standard Vaccination

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology of infectious diseases
• Vaccinology
• Public health

Background:

• Serogroup B meningococcal disease historically caused significant outbreaks in American universities.
• Meningococcal meningitis remains a lethal threat to pediatric and adolescent populations.
• Existing quadrivalent vaccines (MenACWY) protect against serogroups A, C, W, and Y, but not B.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the history of serogroup B meningitis outbreaks in American universities.
• To examine the emergence and impact of monovalent serogroup B meningococcus vaccines (MenB).

Main Methods:

• Literature review of historical outbreaks.
• Analysis of vaccine development and regulatory approval.
• Examination of epidemiological data on meningococcal infections.

Main Results:

• Serogroup B meningitis accounts for 30% of meningococcal infections in the USA.
• The first MenB vaccine (MenB-4C) was approved for importation in 2013 for outbreak control.
• MenB vaccines are vital for complementing MenACWY protection.

Conclusions:

• The development of MenB vaccines has been critical in addressing a significant gap in meningococcal disease prevention.
• Continued surveillance and vaccination strategies are necessary to control serogroup B meningitis.