Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 13, 2025
Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
Published on: November 5, 2019
[Serogroup C invasive meningococcal disease in the post-vaccine era and vaccine failures]
Neus Rius1, Mayli Lung2, Carolina Fernández-San José3
1Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Reus (Tarragona), España.
Introduction:
The incidence of serogroup C invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) has decreased since the introduction of systematic vaccination in 2000. The aim of this study is to determine the number of serogroup C IMD cases diagnosed since then and the vaccine failures.
Patients And Methods:
A retrospective analysis was performed on patients diagnosed with IMD by culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a maternity and childhood hospital in Barcelona between 2001 and 2018. An analysis was made of the number of vaccine doses and the age received, as well as on the medical records and vaccine cards.
Results:
There were 128 confirmed cases of IMD (7.1 cases/year; 70.3 in <5 years). The serogroup was studied in 125 (97.6%) cases, in which 103 (82.4%) were B, 10 (8%) were C, one (0.8%) was 29E, and one (0.8%) was Y, and only 10 (8%) were not able to be serogrouped. Of the 10 patients with serogroup C, 4 were not vaccinated, and in 3, the course was not complete as regards the number of doses. The other 3 received the complete course according to age and current calendar, and thus were considered vaccine failures. A total of 6 patients died (mortality rate: 4.7%), 5 due to serogroup B (mortality: 4.8%), and one due to serogroup C (mortality: 10%).
Conclusions:
Serogroup C only represented 8% of IMD cases in the period studied, with 30% of cases due to this serogroup being vaccine failures.
Insights
Serogroup C invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases are rare post-vaccination, but vaccine failures do occur. This study analyzed IMD cases and identified vaccine failures in serogroup C infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Systematic vaccination has reduced serogroup C invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) incidence since 2000.
- Monitoring IMD cases and vaccine failures remains crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the number of serogroup C IMD cases diagnosed between 2001 and 2018.
- To identify and analyze vaccine failures in serogroup C IMD cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of IMD cases diagnosed via culture or PCR.
- Inclusion of patients from a maternity and childhood hospital in Barcelona (2001-2018).
- Detailed review of vaccine records, including doses and age at administration.
Main Results:
- 128 confirmed IMD cases were identified (7.1 cases/year), with 10 serogroup C cases (8%).
- Of the 10 serogroup C cases, 7 were unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated.
- 3 serogroup C cases were identified as vaccine failures despite complete vaccination.
Conclusions:
- Serogroup C accounts for only 8% of IMD cases in the study period.
- 30% of serogroup C IMD cases in this cohort were vaccine failures.
- Ongoing surveillance is necessary to track IMD trends and vaccine effectiveness.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
01:18Endocarditis III: Medical Management
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.