Increase of meningococcal serogroup Y cases in Europe: A reason for concern?

Abstract

Neisseria meningitidis is differentiated into 12 distinct serogroups of which A, B, C, W-135, X and Y are medically most important and represent a major health problem in one or more parts of the world. The epidemiology of N. meningitidis is unpredictable over time and across geographic regions. A sudden increase or decrease of IMD or meningococcal carriage may occur anywhere at any time. Recent epidemiological surveillance indicates an increase of serogroup Y IMD in some parts of Europe and data from various European countries are presented.

Meningococcal serogroup Y emergence in Europe

“…In recently published data for 2010 and 2011, the highest relative proportion for serogroup Y IMD has been reported from Scandinavian countries (up to 55%), followed by the most central/Western European countries (5-10%), while the relative proportion has been lowest (<5%) in most of the Eastern/South-Eastern European countries. 1,2 For 2012, this picture has not significantly changed. In Figure 1, the absolute number and relative proportion of serogroup Y cases in 2012 are presented for 33 European countries from data that was available.…”

Meningococcal serogroup Y emergence in Europe

“…16 Recently, an increase in both absolute numbers and relative proportion of serogroup Y cases has been reported in various European countries for 2010. 1 At the moment, it is difficult to predict whether this rising trend in serogroup Y IMD will continue or if it represents only a short-term rise that will be followed by a reduction in disease rates to the previous relatively low levels. The longevity of the epidemics can vary by the serogroup.…”

Fulminant invasive meningococcal disease due to serogroup Y infection: a highly unusual case reflecting worrying increases in carriage and incidence

“…In France, the average age of patients with MenY changed from 76.1 in 2005 to 20.8 in 2010, which coincided with the overall rise in MenY cases 5. Of particular concern, a study in 2009 by the European Monitoring Group on Meningococci showed that in England and Wales, only 13% of children under the age of 5 had protective antibody titres against MenY 6.…”