Meningococcal disease: how to prevent and how to manage

Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2002 Jun;15(3):275-81. doi: 10.1097/00001432-200206000-00010.

Abstract

Meningococcal disease is a significant problem in the paediatric population. The diagnosis of meningococcal disease can be problematic and progression of the disease can rapidly lead to a life-threatening illness. Despite the success of antibiotic treatment, mortality rates remain high. The development of protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccines has significantly improved the success of vaccination in reducing the incidence of meningococcal disease. However, a comprehensive vaccine conferring protection against disease-associated serogroups remains elusive. The aim of this review is to highlight recent significant improvements in the prevention and management of meningococcal disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Meningococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Meningococcal Infections / mortality
  • Meningococcal Infections / prevention & control*
  • Meningococcal Infections / therapy*
  • Meningococcal Vaccines / chemistry
  • Meningococcal Vaccines / immunology*
  • Neisseria meningitidis
  • Vaccines, Conjugate / chemistry
  • Vaccines, Conjugate / immunology

Substances

  • Meningococcal Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Conjugate