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Tzanakaki G, Cabrnochová H, Delić S, Draganescu A, Hilfanova A, Onozó B, Pokorn M, Skoczyńska A, Tešović G. Invasive meningococcal disease in South-Eastern European countries: Do we need to revise vaccination strategies? Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2301186. [PMID: 38173392 PMCID: PMC10773623 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2301186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is an acute life-threatening infection caused by the gram-negative bacterium, Neisseria meningitidis. Globally, there are approximately half a million cases of IMD each year, with incidence varying across geographical regions. Vaccination has proven to be successful against IMD, as part of controlling outbreaks, and when incorporated into national immunization programs. The South-Eastern Europe Meningococcal Advocacy Group (including representatives from Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Ukraine) was formed in order to discuss the potential challenges of IMD faced in the region. The incidence of IMD across Europe has been relatively low over the past decade; of the countries that came together for the South-Eastern Meningococcal Advocacy Group, the notification rates were lower than the European average for some country. The age distribution of IMD cases was highest in infants and children, and most countries also had a further peak in adolescents and young adults. Across the nine included countries between 2010 and 2020, the largest contributors to IMD were serogroups B and C; however, each individual country had distinct patterns for serogroup distribution. Along with the variations in epidemiology of IMD between the included countries, vaccination policies also differ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Tzanakaki
- Public Health Microbiology, National Meningitis Reference Laboratory, Laboratory for Surveillance of Infectious Diseases, Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Hana Cabrnochová
- Center of children vaccination in Thomayer University Hospital, and Department of Pediatrics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Anca Draganescu
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof.Dr.Matei Bals”, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anna Hilfanova
- Department of Pediatrics, Immunology, Infectious and Rare Diseases, European Medical School of the International European University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Beáta Onozó
- Pediatric Department of County Hospital, Miskolc, Hungary
| | - Marko Pokorn
- Division of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anna Skoczyńska
- National Reference Centre for Bacterial Meningitis, Department of Epidemiology and Clinical Microbiology, National Medicines Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Goran Tešović
- University of Zagreb, and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Zagreb, Croatia
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Weil-Olivier C, Taha MK, Leng S, Dinleyici EC, Bonanni P, Moya E, Leischker A, Yezli S. Invasive meningococcal disease in older adults: current perspectives and call for action. Eur Geriatr Med 2024:10.1007/s41999-024-00969-0. [PMID: 38709380 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-024-00969-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a devastating condition. While most attention is directed towards disease in children and adolescents, IMD poses an important cause of morbidity and mortality in adults ≥60 years. While immunization is a critical component of healthy ageing strategies, meningococcal immunization is not routinely offered to older adults. The aim of this review was to summarize clinical and epidemiological aspects of IMD and available immunization strategies, with a particular focus on disease in older individuals, to emphasize the importance of this rather neglected area. METHODS An expert working group was established to evaluate clinical and epidemiological data to raise awareness of IMD in older individuals, and develop suggestions to improve the existing burden. RESULTS Routine child and adolescent meningococcal immunization has substantially reduced IMD in these targeted populations. Consequently, prevalence and proportion of IMD among those ≥60 years, mostly unvaccinated, is increasing in developed countries (accounting for up to 25% of cases). IMD-related mortality is highest in this age-group, with substantial sequelae in survivors. IMD due to serogroups W and Y is more prevalent among older adults, often with atypical clinical features (pneumonia, gastrointestinal presentations) which may delay timely treatment. CONCLUSIONS IMD in older adults remains overlooked and greater awareness is required at clinical and societal levels. We encourage clinicians and immunization policy makers to reconsider IMD, with a call for action to remedy existing inequity in older adult access to protective meningococcal immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhamed-Kheir Taha
- Institut Pasteur, Invasive Bacterial Infections Unit, National Reference Centre for Meningococci and Haemophilus Influenza, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Sean Leng
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Immune Remodeling, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ener Cagri Dinleyici
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Türkiye
| | - Paolo Bonanni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Moya
- Europe Regional Coordinator, The Confederation of Meningitis Organizations (CoMO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Andreas Leischker
- Working Group "Vaccination", German Geriatric Society, and Department for Geriatrics, Asklepios Hospital Wandsbek, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Saber Yezli
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Scientific Computing Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Gruhn S, Batram M, Wick M, Langevin E, Scholz S, Greiner W, Damm O. Modelling the Public Health Impact of MenACWY and MenC Adolescent Vaccination Strategies in Germany. Infect Dis Ther 2024; 13:907-920. [PMID: 38570446 PMCID: PMC11058744 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-024-00958-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) causes significant mortality and long-term sequelae. This study assesses the potential public health impact of adolescent vaccination strategies employing MenACWY and MenC vaccines in Germany, where the existing meningococcal immunisation programme predominantly involves MenC administration in toddlers. METHODS A dynamic transmission model was developed to simulate the carriage of five meningococcal serogroup compartments (AY/B/C/W/Other) from 2019 until 2060 within 1-year age groups from 0 to 99 years of age. IMD cases were estimated based on case-carrier ratios. The model considered vaccine effectiveness against carriage acquisition and IMD. RESULTS The model predicts that introducing MenACWY adolescent vaccination could lead to a considerable reduction in IMD incidence, with the potential to prevent up to 65 cases per year and a cumulative total of 1467 cases by 2060. This decrease, mainly driven by herd effects, would result in a reduction of IMD incidence across all age groups, regardless of vaccination age. Furthermore, implementing MenACWY vaccination in adolescents is projected to decrease annual MenACWY-related IMD mortality by up to 64%, equating to an overall prevention of 156 IMD deaths by 2060. These protective outcomes are expected to culminate in approximately 2250 life years gained (LYG) throughout the model's projected time horizon. In contrast, the adoption of MenC vaccination in adolescents is predicted to have minimal influence on both IMD incidence and mortality, as well as on LYG. CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrate that implementing MenACWY vaccination for adolescents in Germany is likely to notably reduce IMD incidence and mortality across age groups. However, the introduction of MenC adolescent vaccination shows only limited impact. Considering the extensive healthcare resources typically required for IMD management, these findings suggest the potential for economic benefits associated with the adoption of MenACWY adolescent vaccination, warranting further cost-effectiveness analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Gruhn
- Department for Health Economics and Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Manuel Batram
- Vandage GmbH, Detmolder Straße 30, 33604, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Moritz Wick
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Lützowstraße 107, 10785, Berlin, Germany
| | - Edith Langevin
- Sanofi Vaccines, 14 Espace Henry Vallee, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Stefan Scholz
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburgerstr. 20, 06112, Halle (Saale)., Germany
| | - Wolfgang Greiner
- Department for Health Economics and Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Oliver Damm
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Lützowstraße 107, 10785, Berlin, Germany
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Bobde S, Sohn WY, Bekkat-Berkani R, Banzhoff A, Cavounidis A, Dinleyici EC, Rodriguez WC, Ninis N. The Diverse Spectrum of Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients: Narrative Review of Cases and Case Series. Infect Dis Ther 2024; 13:251-271. [PMID: 38285269 PMCID: PMC10904702 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-023-00906-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis infection. We reviewed case reports of IMD from newborns, infants, children, and adolescents, and described the real-life clinical presentations, diagnoses, treatment paradigms, and clinical outcomes. METHODS PubMed and Embase were searched for IMD case reports on patients aged ≤ 19 years published from January 2011 to March 2023 (search terms "Neisseria meningitidis" or "invasive meningococcal disease", and "infant", "children", "paediatric", pediatric", or "adolescent"). RESULTS We identified 97 publications reporting 184 cases of IMD, including 25 cases with a fatal outcome. Most cases were in adolescents aged 13-19 years (34.2%), followed by children aged 1-5 years (27.6%), children aged 6-12 years (17.1%), infants aged 1-12 months (17.1%), and neonates (3.9%). The most common disease-causing serogroups were W (40.2%), B (31.7%), and C (10.4%). Serogroup W was the most common serogroup in adolescents (17.2%), and serogroup B was the most common in the other age groups, including children aged 1-5 years (11.5%). The most common clinical presentations were meningitis (46.6%) and sepsis (36.8%). CONCLUSIONS IMD continues to pose a threat to the health of children and adolescents. While this review was limited to case reports and is not reflective of global epidemiology, adolescents represented the largest group with IMD. Additionally, nearly half of the patients who died were adolescents, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and vaccination in this age group. Different infecting serogroups were predominant in different age groups, highlighting the usefulness of multivalent vaccines to provide the broadest possible protection against IMD. Overall, this review provides useful insights into real-life clinical presentations, treatment paradigms, diagnoses, and clinical outcomes to help clinicians diagnose, treat, and, ultimately, protect patients from this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Woo-Yun Sohn
- GSK, 14200 Shady Grove Rd, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ener Cagri Dinleyici
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Wilfrido Coronell Rodriguez
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
- Serena del Mar Hospital, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Nelly Ninis
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Burman C, Knuf M, Sáfadi MAP, Findlow J. Antibody persistence and revaccination recommendations of MenACWY-TT: a review of clinical studies assessing antibody persistence up to 10 years after vaccination. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:614-635. [PMID: 38697798 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2024.2348609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is potentially fatal and associated with severe sequelae among survivors. It is preventable by several vaccines, including meningococcal vaccines targeting the most common disease-causing serogroups (A, B, C, W, Y). The meningococcal ACWY tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-TT [Nimenrix]) is indicated from 6 weeks of age in the European Union and >50 additional countries. AREAS COVERED Using PubMed, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov and ad hoc searches for publications to June 2023, we review evidence of antibody persistence for up to 10 years after primary vaccination and up to 6 years after MenACWY-TT revaccination. We also review global MenACWY revaccination recommendations and real-world impact of vaccination policies, focusing on how these data can be considered alongside antibody persistence data to inform future IMD prevention strategies. EXPERT OPINION Based on clear evidence that immunogenicity data (demonstrated antibody titers above established correlates of protection) are correlated with real-world effectiveness, long-term persistence of antibodies after MenACWY-TT vaccination suggests continuing protection against IMD. Optimal timing of primary and subsequent vaccinations is critical to maximize direct and indirect protection. Recommending bodies should carefully consider factors such as age at vaccination and long-term immune responses associated with the specific vaccine being used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Burman
- Vaccines, Antivirals and Evidence Generation, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Markus Knuf
- Children's Hospital, Worms Clinic, Worms, Germany
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marco Aurelio P Sáfadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jamie Findlow
- Vaccines, Antivirals and Evidence Generation, Pfizer Ltd, Surrey, UK
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Villena R, Safadi MA, Gentile Á, Pujadas M, De la Maza V, George S, Torres JP. Epidemiology of Meningococcal Disease in Four South American Countries and Rationale of Vaccination in Adolescents from the Region: Position Paper of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SLIPE). Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1841. [PMID: 38140244 PMCID: PMC10748232 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Surveillance of meningococcal disease (MD) is crucial after the implementation of vaccination strategies to monitor their impact on disease burden. Adolescent vaccination could provide direct and indirect protection. Argentina, Brazil, and Chile have introduced meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MCV) into their National Immunization Programs (NIP), while Uruguay has not. Here, we analyze the epidemiology of MD and vaccination experience from these four South American countries to identify needs and plans to improve the current vaccination programs. METHODOLOGY Descriptive study of MD incidence rates, serogroup distribution, case fatality rates (CFR), and MCV uptakes during the period 2010-2021 in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. Data were extracted from national surveillance programs, reference laboratories, NIPs, and Pubmed. RESULTS MD overall incidence from 2010 to 2021 have a decreasing trend in Argentina (0.37 [IQR = 0.20-0.61]), Brazil (0.59 [IQR = 0.54-1.22]), and Chile (0.45 [IQR = 0.40-0.77]), while a significant increase in Uruguay (0.47 [IQR = 0.33-0.69]) was found from 2016 to 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all countries sharply reduced their MD incidence. The highest incidence rates were observed among infants, followed by children 1-4 years of age. No second peak was evident in adolescents. A reduction in serogroup C, W, and Y cases has occurred in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile after introduction of MCV, serogroup B becoming predominant in all four countries. Median CFR was 9.0%, 21%, 19.9%, and 17.9% in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay, respectively. Median uptake of MCV for Argentina and Brazil were 66.6% and 91.0% for priming in infants; 54.7% and 84.5% for booster in toddlers; and 47.5% and 53% for adolescents; while for Chile, 95.6% for toddlers. CONCLUSIONS Experience after the implementation of MCV programs in South America was successful, reducing the burden of MD due to the vaccine serogroups. High vaccine uptake and the inclusion of adolescents will be crucial in the post-pandemic period to maintain the protection of the population. The increase in the proportion of serogroup B cases emphasizes the importance of continuous surveillance to guide future vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Villena
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital de Niños Exequiel González Cortés, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8900085, Chile;
| | - Marco Aurelio Safadi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01224-001, Brazil;
| | - Ángela Gentile
- Department of Epidemiology, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutierrez, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1121, Argentina;
| | - Mónica Pujadas
- Department of Epidemiology and Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Hospital Pereira Rossell, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Republic, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay;
| | - Verónica De la Maza
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7500539, Chile; (V.D.l.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Sergio George
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7500539, Chile; (V.D.l.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Juan Pablo Torres
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7500539, Chile; (V.D.l.M.); (S.G.)
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Bloom DE, Bonanni P, Martinón-Torres F, Richmond PC, Safadi MAP, Salisbury DM, Charos A, Schley K, Findlow J, Balmer P. Meningococcal Disease in the Post-COVID-19 Era: A Time to Prepare. Infect Dis Ther 2023; 12:2649-2663. [PMID: 38048020 PMCID: PMC10746601 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-023-00888-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The global invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) landscape changed considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidenced by decreased incidence rates due to COVID-19 mitigation measures, such as limited social contact, physical distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing. Vaccination rates were also lower during the pandemic relative to pre-pandemic levels. Although policymakers may have shifted their focus away from IMD vaccination programs to COVID-19 vaccination programs, strong arguments support implementation and prioritization of IMD vaccination programs; IMD cases have increased in some countries and IMD rates may even have exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Additional concerns include increased susceptibility due to vaccination coverage gaps, increased incidence of other respiratory pathogens, immunity debt from lockdown restrictions, and increased IMD epidemiologic variability. The full range of benefits of widely available and effective meningococcal vaccines needs to be considered, especially in health technology assessments, where the broad benefits of these vaccines are neither accurately quantified nor captured in implementation policy decisions. Importantly, implementation of meningococcal vaccination programs in the current IMD climate also appeals to broader healthcare principles, including preparedness rather than reactive approaches, generally accepted benefit-risk approaches to vaccination, historical precedent, and the World Health Organization's goal of defeating meningitis by 2030. Countries should therefore act swiftly to bolster existing meningococcal vaccination strategies to provide broad coverage across age groups and serogroups given the recent increases in IMD incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Bloom
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paolo Bonanni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Federico Martinón-Torres
- Pediatrics Department, Translational Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago, de Compostela, Spain
- Genetics, Vaccines and Infections Research Group (GENVIP), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Peter C Richmond
- Division of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute and Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Marco A P Safadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - David M Salisbury
- Programme for Global Health, Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, London, UK
| | | | | | - Jamie Findlow
- Vaccines, Antivirals and Evidence Generation, Pfizer Ltd, Tadworth, UK
| | - Paul Balmer
- Vaccines, Antivirals and Evidence Generation, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
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Kassianos G, Barasheed O, Abbing-Karahagopian V, Khalaf M, Ozturk S, Banzhoff A, Badur S. Meningococcal B Immunisation in Adults and Potential Broader Immunisation Strategies: A Narrative Review. Infect Dis Ther 2023; 12:2193-2219. [PMID: 37428339 PMCID: PMC10581987 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-023-00836-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant vaccines against invasive meningococcal disease due to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MenB) have shown substantial impact in reducing MenB disease in targeted populations. 4CMenB targets four key N. meningitidis protein antigens; human factor H binding protein (fHbp), Neisserial heparin binding antigen (NHBA), Neisseria adhesin A (NadA) and the porin A protein (PorA P1.4), with one or more of these expressed by most pathogenic MenB strains, while MenB-FHbp targets two distinct fHbp variants. While many countries recommend MenB immunisation in adults considered at high risk due to underlying medical conditions or immunosuppression, there are no recommendations for routine use in the general adult population. We reviewed the burden of MenB in adults, where, while incidence rates remain low (and far lower than in young children < 5 years of age at greatest risk), a substantial proportion of MenB cases (20% or more) is now observed in the adult population; evident in Europe, Australia, and in the United States. We also reviewed immunogenicity data in adults from clinical studies conducted during MenB vaccine development and subsequent post-licensure studies. A 2-dose schedule of 4CMenB generates hSBA titres ≥ 1:4 towards all four key vaccine target antigens in up to 98-100% of subjects. For MenB-FHbp, a ≥ fourfold rise in hSBA titres against the four primary representative test strains was observed in 70-95% of recipients following a 3-dose schedule. While this suggests potential benefits for MenB immunisation if used in adult populations, data are limited (especially for adults > 50 years) and key aspects relating to duration of protection remain unclear. Although a broader adult MenB immunisation policy could provide greater protection of the adult population, additional data are required to support policy decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Kassianos
- Royal College of General Practitioners, London, UK
- The British Global and Travel Health Association, London, UK
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Ballalai I, Dawson R, Horn M, Smith V, Bekkat-Berkani R, Soumahoro L, Vicic N. Understanding barriers to vaccination against invasive meningococcal disease: a survey of the knowledge gap and potential solutions. Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:457-467. [PMID: 37144283 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2211163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a leading cause of life-threatening bacterial meningitis and septicemia. Evidence points to a knowledge gap among parents, teenagers, and healthcare providers (HCPs) regarding IMD and available vaccines, including those against the highly prevalent serogroup B. AREAS COVERED An online survey was conducted between March 27 and April 12, 2019, to gather insights into the knowledge that parents/guardians have about IMD vaccines. The children were aged 2 months-10 years in Australia, Brazil, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Spain, 5-20 years in the UK, and 16-23 years in the US. The findings were discussed in the context of the available literature and solutions were proposed to minimize the knowledge gap and the barriers to vaccination against IMD. EXPERT OPINION The survey demonstrated that parents have a good understanding of IMD but a limited understanding of the different serogroups and vaccines. The available literature highlighted multiple barriers to IMD vaccine uptake; these may be reduced through education of HCPs, clear recommendations to parents by HCPs, the use of technology, and disease-awareness initiatives that engage parents through physical and digital channels. Further studies are warranted to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on IMD vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rob Dawson
- Meningitis Research Foundation, Bristol, UK
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Invasive Meningococcal Disease and Meningococcal Serogroup B Vaccination in Adults and Their Offspring: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Italy (2019). Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030508. [PMID: 36992092 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite its effectiveness in preventing invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), pediatric uptake of recombinant meningococcal vaccination for serogroup B meningitis (MenB) is low in Italy. This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) about IMD and the vaccine uptake for MenB from July to December 2019, in a sample collected from a series of local Facebook discussion groups from the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia (North-Eastern Italy; 337,104 registered users). A self-administered anonymous web-based questionnaire was used to collect demographics, knowledge status, perceived risk for contracting meningitis, attitude towards the utility of meningococcal vaccine, and willingness to receive/perform MenB vaccine in their offspring. In total, 541 parents returned a fully completed questionnaire (response rate of 1.6% of potential recipients), with a mean age of 39.2 years ± 6.3 (78.1% females). Meningococcal infection was identified as severe or highly severe by most participants (88.9%), while it was recognized as being frequent/highly frequent in the general population by 18.6% of respondents. The overall knowledge status was unsatisfactory (57.6% ± 33.6 of correct answers to the knowledge test). Even though 63.4% of participants were somewhat favorable to MenB/MenC vaccines, offspring’s vaccination towards MenB was reported by only 38.7% of participants. In a binary logistic regression model, the male gender of respondents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.184, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.772 to 5.721), living in a municipality >15,000 inhabitants (aOR 1.675, 95%CI 1.051 to 2.668), reporting a favorable attitude on meningococcus B vaccine (aOR 12.472, 95%CI 3.030 to 51.338), having been vaccinated against serogroup B (aOR 5.624, 95%CI 1.936 to 16.337) and/or serogroup C (aOR 2.652, 95%CI 1.442 to 4.872), and having previously vaccinated their offspring against serogroup C meningococcus (aOR 6.585, 95%CI 3.648 to 11.888) were characterized as positive effectors of offspring’s vaccination. On the contrary, having a higher risk perception on vaccines was identified as the only negative effector (aOR 0.429, 95%CI 0.241 to 0.765). Our results hint towards extensive knowledge gaps on IMD and preventive interventions in the general population, suggesting that a positive attitude towards vaccines and vaccinations could be identified as the main effector also for MenB acceptance. Interventions in the general population aimed at improving confidence, compliance, and acknowledgment of the collective responsibility, as well as preventing actual constraints and the sharing of false beliefs on infectious diseases and their preventive measures, could therefore increase vaccination acceptance in both targeted individuals and their offspring.
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Conti A, Broglia G, Sacchi C, Risi F, Barone-Adesi F, Panella M. Efficacy and Safety of Quadrivalent Conjugate Meningococcal Vaccines: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11010178. [PMID: 36680022 PMCID: PMC9866575 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11010178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, different quadrivalent antimeningococcal vaccine formulations (diphteria toxoid conjugate, MenACWY-D; tetanus toxoid conjugate, MenACWY-TT; CRM197 protein conjugate, MenACWY-CRM) have been developed. However, their availability varies, both in terms of authorized formulations and of inclusion in vaccination schedules. Furthermore, several countries include only the monovalent meningococcal C (MenC) vaccine in their immunization programmes. Finally, there is currently no updated systematic review that directly compares the MenACWY formulations. Thus, we summarized the evidence on efficacy and safety through four parallel, independent systematic literature reviews with meta-analysis which included randomized controlled trials comparing the abovementioned vaccines. A total of 16 studies have been included. In terms of efficacy, MenACWY-TT outperformed MenACWY-D and MenACWY-CRM for A, W-135, and Y serogroups, while no significant difference was found for serogroup C. Furthermore, we did not find significant differences in efficacy between MenC and MenACWY-TT. Regarding the safety, we were able to perform a quantitative analysis only between MenACWY-TT and MenC, finding no significant differences. Similarly, among the different MenACWY formulations no relevant differences were identified. These findings suggest that MenACWY-TT could be preferable to other formulations to improve current vaccination programs and to better develop future immunization policies.
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Fully Liquid MenACWY-CRM Vaccine: Results from an Integrated Safety Analysis. Drug Saf 2023; 46:99-108. [PMID: 36369456 PMCID: PMC9829640 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-022-01242-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The currently licensed quadrivalent MenACWY-CRM conjugate vaccine presentation consists of two vials (lyophilized MenA and liquid MenCWY) to be reconstituted before injection. A new fully liquid, single-vial formulation has been developed to simplify administration and prevent reconstitution errors. We present pooled safety data from two randomized, controlled, observer-blind phase 2b clinical trials, in which the fully liquid presentation was compared with the licensed presentation. METHODS This is a post hoc analysis of two studies, in which safety data from participants aged 10-40 years who received one dose of either liquid MenACWY-CRM (1337 participants; MenACWY liquid group) or licensed MenACWY-CRM (1332 participants; MenACWY licensed group) were pooled. Frequencies were calculated for solicited adverse events (AEs) during 7 days post-vaccination and unsolicited AEs, including medically attended AEs and serious AEs (SAEs), during the 6-month safety follow-up period. Analysis results are presented by vaccine group, overall and by age category (10-17 and 18-40 years). RESULTS Overall, AEs solicited for collection during the first 7 days after vaccination were reported by similar percentages of participants (69.2%, MenACWY liquid; 68.2%, MenACWY licensed), and were generally mild/moderate in intensity. Solicited local AEs were reported by 46.0% of the MenACWY liquid group and 43.5% of the MenACWY licensed group and solicited systemic AEs by 55.2 and 54.1%, respectively. During the 6-month post-vaccination period, unsolicited AEs were reported by 32.2 and 31.2% of the MenACWY liquid group and MenACWY licensed group, respectively, and medically attended AEs by 18.6 and 17.3%, respectively. Overall, 14 participants in each group (1.0 and 1.1%, respectively) reported SAEs, none of which was considered vaccine-related by the investigator. The safety profiles of both MenACWY-CRM presentations were similar for each age group and overall. CONCLUSIONS This pooled analysis shows the safety profile of fully liquid MenACWY-CRM is comparable with that of the currently licensed vaccine presentation. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT03652610 (August 29, 2018), NCT03433482 (14 February 2018).
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Robin C, Redjoul R, Terrade A, Deghmane AE, Cabanne L, Cordonnier C, Taha MK. Immunogenicity and safety of the meningococcal B recombinant (4CMenB) vaccine in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients. Clin Microbiol Infect 2022; 28:1609-1614. [PMID: 35803542 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2022.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite a high risk of invasive meningococcal (Men) disease, there is no published data on any MenB vaccine after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We investigated the immunogenicity and safety of the 4CMenB recombinant vaccine (Bexsero®) in adult HCT recipients. METHODS Patients were eligible from 6 months post-HCT to receive 2 4CMenB doses at 2 months interval. Sera were collected at baseline, 1 month after the second dose, and 12 months after enrollment. The serum bactericidal activity (SBA) using human complement (hSBA) was assessed against fHbp, NadA, PorAP1.4 and NHBA antigens. The vaccine response was defined by one criteria for one vaccine antigen: (1) In patients with a hSBA titer < 4 at baseline: a titer > 4; (2) In patients with a hSBA titer > 4 at baseline: at least a x4 increase. RESULTS 40 patients were included at a median of 2.14 (0.57-13.03) years post-transplant. At baseline, most patients (32/40 80%) had hSBA titers < 4 for all vaccine antigens. After 2 vaccine doses, the proportion of patients with a titer > 4 was significantly increased for fHbp (23/40 57.5%), NadA (25/40 62.5%), and PorA (31/40 77.5%) but not for NHBA for which only 6/40 (15%) patients responded. 36/40 (90%) patients were responders to > 1 antigen. However, 9 months later, only 23/37 (62.2%) patients were still seroprotected. No severe adverse event was observed. CONCLUSION The response rate of 90% for >1 vaccine antigen and our safety data supports the 4CMenB vaccination of HCT recipients from 6 months after transplant with 2 doses. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03509051.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Robin
- Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Henri Mondor Hospital, Hematology Department, Creteil, France; University Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France.
| | - Rabah Redjoul
- Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Henri Mondor Hospital, Hematology Department, Creteil, France
| | - Aude Terrade
- Institut Pasteur, Invasive bacterial infections Unit and National reference center for meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae, 28, rue du Dr Roux, Paris, France
| | - Ala-Eddine Deghmane
- Institut Pasteur, Invasive bacterial infections Unit and National reference center for meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae, 28, rue du Dr Roux, Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Cabanne
- Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Henri Mondor Hospital, Hematology Department, Creteil, France
| | - Catherine Cordonnier
- Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Henri Mondor Hospital, Hematology Department, Creteil, France; University Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France.
| | - Muhamed-Kheir Taha
- Institut Pasteur, Invasive bacterial infections Unit and National reference center for meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae, 28, rue du Dr Roux, Paris, France
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Taha MK, Martinon-Torres F, Köllges R, Bonanni P, Safadi MAP, Booy R, Smith V, Garcia S, Bekkat-Berkani R, Abitbol V. Equity in vaccination policies to overcome social deprivation as a risk factor for invasive meningococcal disease. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:659-674. [PMID: 35271781 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2052048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Social deprivation is associated with poorer healthcare access. Vaccination is among the most effective public health interventions and achieving equity in vaccination access is vitally important. However, vaccines are often reimbursed by public funds only when recommended in national immunization programs (NIPs), which can increase inequity between high and low socioeconomic groups. Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a serious vaccination-preventable disease. This review focuses on vaccination strategies against IMD designed to reduce inequity. AREAS COVERED We reviewed meningococcal epidemiology and current vaccination recommendations worldwide. We also reviewed studies demonstrating an association between social deprivation and risk of meningococcal disease, as well as studies demonstrating an impact of social deprivation on uptake of meningococcal vaccines. We discuss factors influencing inclusion of meningococcal vaccines in NIPs. EXPERT OPINION Incorporating meningococcal vaccines in NIPs is necessary to reduce inequity, but insufficient alone. Inclusion provides clear guidance to healthcare professionals and helps to ensure that vaccines are offered universally to all target groups. Beyond NIPs, cost of vaccination should be reimbursed especially for disadvantaged individuals. These approaches should help to achieve optimal protection against IMD, by increasing access and immunization rates, eventually reducing social inequities, and helping to protect those at greatest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhamed-Kheir Taha
- Institut Pasteur, Invasive Bacterial Infections Unit, National Reference Centre for Meningococci and Haemophilus Influenza, Paris, France
| | - Federico Martinon-Torres
- Genetics, Vaccines, Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics Research Group (GENVIP), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago and Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain.,Translational Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBER-ES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ralph Köllges
- Praxis für Kinder und Jugendliche, Ralph Köllges und Partner, Mönchengladbach, Germany
| | - Paolo Bonanni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Robert Booy
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Institute of Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Gruhn S, Witte J, Greiner W, Damm O, Dietzsch M, Kramer R, Knuf M. Epidemiology and economic burden of meningococcal disease in Germany: A systematic review. Vaccine 2022; 40:1932-1947. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Pinto Cardoso G, Lagrée-Chastan M, Caseris M, Gaudelus J, Haas H, Leroy JP, Bakhache P, Pujol JF, Werner A, Dommergues MA, Pauquet E, Pinquier D. Overview of meningococcal epidemiology and national immunization programs in children and adolescents in 8 Western European countries. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:1000657. [PMID: 36507149 PMCID: PMC9727280 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.1000657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, meningococcal (Men) vaccines are available against 5 of the 6 serogroups responsible of nearly all cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). Meningococcal vaccination has been introduced in the national immunization programs (NIPs) for children and adolescents of numerous European countries, but with no consistent strategy across countries. OBJECTIVES To describe IMD epidemiology, NIPs, and vaccination coverage rates (VCRs) in children and adolescents in 8 Western European countries. METHODS Epidemiological data (from 1999 to 2019), NIPs regarding meningococcal vaccination status, and VCRs were collected from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and/or national websites. RESULTS MenB was the most common serogroup. In Belgium, Spain, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom (UK), and Portugal, incidence was greater for MenW than MenC. In 2019, MenB risk was covered in 2 countries (Italy, UK). MenC risk was covered in all countries, via MenC only (countries: N = 3), MenACWY only (N = 2), or MenC (infants/children) and MenACWY (adolescents) (N = 3) vaccination. VCRs were higher in children than adolescents. CONCLUSION Our study confirmed the diversity of NIPs, including in neighboring European countries with similar factors like economic resources and epidemiological risk, thus indicating that other factors underlie NIPs. Convergence toward a more common immunization program including MenACWY and MenB vaccination would promote equity and safe travel regarding infectious diseases for young people, and possibly improve the understanding of vaccination by patients and healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Pinto Cardoso
- Service de Pédiatrie Néonatale et Réanimation, University of Rouen Normandy, CHU Rouen, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Rouen, France
| | - Marion Lagrée-Chastan
- Urgences Pédiatriques et Maladies Infectieuses, CHU Lille, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, Lille Cedex, France
| | | | - Joël Gaudelus
- Service de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy Cedex, France
| | - Hervé Haas
- Service de Pédiatrie - Néonatalogie, Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, Monaco Cedex, Monaco
| | - Jean-Philippe Leroy
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, DIIM/SIBM, CHU Rouen, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Rouen, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Emilie Pauquet
- Unité de Néonatologie, Soins Intensifs Néonataux, Hôpital des Enfants, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Didier Pinquier
- Service de Pédiatrie Néonatale et Réanimation, University of Rouen Normandy, CHU Rouen, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Rouen, France
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