Meningococcal Disease in South Africa, 1999–2002

Abstract

Serogroups and strains differ by location, although hypervirulent strains were identified throughout the country.

Meningococcal disease in the Middle East and Africa: Findings and updates from the Global Meningococcal Initiative

“…26 MD is endemic, peaking between May and October. 27,28 The incidence rate was 0.44 per 100,000 in 2013 and 0.36 per 100,000 in 2014. The main capsular group-causing disease is MenW (67e77% of disease is MenACWY), followed by MenB.…”

Complement component C5 and C6 mutation screening indicated in meningococcal disease in South Africa

“…10 To prevent recurrence, it is essential that all identified C5D and C6Q0 patients can access regular effective antibiotic prophylaxis and vaccination is being considered. Problematically, in the Western Cape approximately 50% of isolated strains are group B, 17 for which there is, as yet, no vaccine. Nevertheless, a quadrivalent vaccine (such as Menveo) containing Groups A, C, Y and W135 polysaccharides could be extremely beneficial.…”

Clonal Analysis of Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup B Strains in South Africa, 2002 to 2006: Emergence of New Clone ST-4240/6688

“…(10). This diversity is attributed to high rates of recombination and phase variation within the naturally transformable meningococcal population (33).…”

“…Epidemics can span several years, as in the case of New Zealand (19), Norway (1), and the Netherlands (42,50). In South Africa, serogroups A, B, C, Y, and W135 cause invasive disease (10,37,63). From August 1999 through July 2002, serogroup B caused 41% (251/615) of invasive cases (10).…”

“…In South Africa, serogroups A, B, C, Y, and W135 cause invasive disease (10,37,63). From August 1999 through July 2002, serogroup B caused 41% (251/615) of invasive cases (10). More recently, serogroups B and W135 caused the majority of cases and are prevalent in two geographically different regions, the Western Cape Province and Gauteng Province, respectively.…”