Meningococcal
Disease
CLS-N390 Vaccines: Science and Society
Neisseria meningitidis
Gram negative diplococci (kidney bean shape)
• Picture shows bacteria eaten by neutrophil
Same genus as N. gonorrhoeae
Six serogroups – A, B, C, W, X, and Y
Three cause most illness in US – B, C, Y
Transmission
Approximately 10% of population naturally has in back of throat = carrier
Spread via respiratory and throat secretions
• Requires close or lengthy contact
• Not as contagious as cold or flu
• Cannot get from air
At higher risk:
• Children <1, adolescents, 16 – 23
• Group settings – colleges
• Immunocompromised individuals
Symptoms
Incubation time: 2 – 10 days (3 – 4 more often)
Meningococcal Meningitis
Most common symptoms:
• Fever
• Headache
• Stiff neck
Often additional symptoms:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Photophobia (eye sensitivity to light)
• Altered mental status (confusion)
Meningococcal Septicemia
Bacteria enter bloodstream, damaging
walls of blood vessels. Causes bleeding
into the skin and organs
Symptoms:
• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Cold hands and feet
• Severe aches or pains in muscles,
joints, chest, or abdomen
• Rapid beathing
• Diarrhea
• Dark purple rash
Vaccine
Meningococcal Vaccine
First licensed – 1974
Current version licensed –
1981
Polysaccharide-protein
conjugate vaccine
• A, C, W, Y
Typically give 11-12 with
booster at 16
• Or one dose at 13-15 if
not given earlier
Meningococcal Vaccine
Menactra
(Sanofi Pasture)
MenACWY-D
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•
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Licensed in 2005
Single dose vial
No preservatives or
adjuvants
Protein carrier =
diphtheria toxoid
Approved for 9
months – 55 years
Menveo (Novartis)
MenACWY-CRM
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•
•
•
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Licensed in 2010
MenA component –
lyophilized
MenC,W,Y in saline
– used to dilute
MenA portion
No preservatives or
adjuvants
Protein carrier =
cross reacting
material of diphtheria
toxoid
Approved for 2-55
MenHibrix
(GlaxoSmithKline)
Hib-MenCY-TT
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•
•
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Licensed in 2012
MenCY
H. influenzae type B
Lyophilized – dilute
with 0.9% saline
Protein carrier =
tetanus toxoid
Approved as 4 dose
series – 2, 4, 6, and
12-18 months
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