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Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
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Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Meningococcal disease: still with us

H Peltola

    Reviews of Infectious Diseases
    |January 1, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    Meningococcal disease remains a global health threat, particularly affecting young children and adults. Immediate antibiotic and vaccine protection is crucial for close contacts, though a vaccine for prevalent Group B strains is currently unavailable.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
    • Epidemiology
    • Vaccinology

    Background:

    • Neisseria meningitidis causes significant global disease, with epidemics reported worldwide through the 1970s.
    • Disease presentation varies, with meningitis having a case fatality rate under 10% and septicemia reaching 70%.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To highlight the ongoing challenge of meningococcal disease despite advances in therapeutics.
    • To emphasize the need for immediate protective measures for close contacts of infected individuals.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of historical epidemic data and disease characteristics.
    • Analysis of risk factors and mortality rates across different age groups and disease presentations.

    Main Results:

    • Epidemics were primarily caused by Group A, with occasional Group B and C outbreaks.
    • Children under five are most susceptible, while young adults experience higher mortality.
    • Close contacts face significantly elevated risk, necessitating prompt antibiotic and vaccine intervention.

    Conclusions:

    • Meningococcal disease control requires ongoing vigilance and improved prevention strategies.
    • The lack of a vaccine against the prevalent Group B strains presents a critical public health gap.

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