Meningococcal disease

  • Neisseria meningitidis

  • Serotype/groups A, B, C, W, X and Y

  • Immunity generated by polysaccahide capsule, except B

  • B is relatively poorly immunogenic,

  • Meningitis common, especially in the Sahel "meningitis belt"

  • Dry seasons, inside of nose becomes dry and cracked, entry point for bacteria

  • Epidemics: due to waxing and waning community immunity

  • Philippines: mainly young children under 5 with high CFR

  • Meningitis

Transmission

  • Aerosol

  • Fomites (touching door handles etc)

  • Adolescent activity

Vaccines

  • 1960's: purified meningococcal polysaccharide vaccines

  • 1980's

  • 1990's

  • 2000s: MedAfriVac