Changing epidemiology of meningococcal disease in Europe from the mid-20th to the early 21st Century

Abstract

The epidemiology of meningococcal disease in Europe since 1945 has shown fluctuations in incidence, serogroup distribution and case–fatality rate. Outbreaks and epidemics driven by the introduction of new virulent strains into Europe have occurred unpredictably. Epidemics associated with serogroups A and B have occurred in all regions of the continent. Additionally, there have been periods of increased outbreak frequency, such as those associated with serogroup C in the 1980s and 1990s, against an endemic disease incidence of around one to two cases per 100,000 population. Serogroup W135 disease was observed in the 1970s and again in 2000, while serogroup Y has recently emerged in Sweden and the Czech Republic. This article describes the changing epidemiology of meningococcal disease in Europe. An understanding of this is important for informed decision-making about different meningococcal vaccines that may be considered for use in Europe.

Keywords::

• epidemiology
• Europe
• meningococcal disease
• Neisseria meningitidis
• serogroups
• vaccines

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Veronique Mouton and Wouter Houthoofd (XPE Pharma and Science, on behalf of GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals) for assistance in co-ordination and submission of the manuscript.

Financial and competing interest disclosure

Heather Wieffer and Sangeeta Budhia are employees of Heron Evidence Development Ltd, which received funding from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals to conduct research for this study and to provide writing assistance for this manuscript. Katsiaryna Holl, Mats Rosenlund and Andrew Vyse are employees of GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals. GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals paid for all costs associated with development and publication of the present manuscript. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Writing assistance and publication coordination assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript, which was funded by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.