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Current Epidemiology and Trends in Meningococcal Disease-United States, 1996-2015
Jessica R MacNeil1, Amy E Blain1, Xin Wang1
1National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
Background:
In 2005, meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) was recommended for routine use among adolescents aged 11-18 years. This report describes the epidemiologic features of meningococcal disease and trends in meningococcal disease incidence following MenACWY introduction in the United States.
Methods:
Incidence rates and case-fatality ratios by age group and serogroup during 2006-2015 were calculated using data from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS); changes in incidence during this time were evaluated. Additionally, 20-year trends (1996-2015) in age- and race-standardized incidence were examined using data from Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs).
Results:
During the years 2006-2015, 7924 cases of meningococcal disease were reported to NNDSS, resulting in an average annual incidence of 0.26 cases per 100000 population; 14.9% of cases were fatal. Among cases with serogroup information, 2290 (35.8%) were serogroup B, 1827 (28.5%) were serogroup Y, 1457 (22.8%) were serogroup C, 436 (6.8%) were serogroup W, and 392 (6.1%) were other serogroups. The incidence of serogroups A, C, W, and Y combined declined 76% among persons aged 11-20 years from 2006-2010 to 2011-2015 (P < .0001). From 1996 through 2015, the incidence of meningococcal disease declined among all age groups and predominant serogroups.
Conclusions:
Declines in meningococcal disease incidence in the United States have been observed among all age groups and predominant serogroups (B, C, and Y). Reductions in the incidence of meningococcal disease due to serogroups A, C, W, and Y among adolescents suggest an impact of the MenACWY vaccine program in this age group.
Insights
Meningococcal disease incidence declined across all age groups and serogroups in the U.S. after the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) was introduced for adolescents, indicating vaccine program impact.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Vaccinology
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) was recommended for routine adolescent immunization in 2005.
- This study examines meningococcal disease epidemiology and incidence trends post-MenACWY introduction in the U.S.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe epidemiologic features of meningococcal disease.
- To evaluate trends in meningococcal disease incidence following MenACWY vaccine introduction.
- To analyze changes in incidence by age group and serogroup.
Main Methods:
- Calculated incidence rates and case-fatality ratios (2006-2015) using National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) data.
- Examined 20-year trends (1996-2015) in age- and race-standardized incidence using Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) data.
Main Results:
- 7924 cases reported (2006-2015), with an average annual incidence of 0.26 per 100,000; 14.9% case fatality.
- Serogroups B, Y, C, and W were most common.
- Incidence of serogroups A, C, W, and Y combined declined 76% in 11-20 year olds (2006-2015); overall incidence declined across all age groups and serogroups (1996-2015).
Conclusions:
- Meningococcal disease incidence has decreased across all age groups and predominant serogroups (B, C, Y) in the U.S.
- Observed reductions in serogroups A, C, W, and Y incidence among adolescents suggest a positive impact of the MenACWY vaccine program.
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