Critical analysis of old and new vaccines against N. meningitidis serogroup C, considering the meningococcal disease epidemiology in Brazil
Rev. Hosp. Clin. Fac. Med. Univ. Säo Paulo
;
58(4): 231-240, 2003. tab
Artículo
en Inglés
| LILACS
| ID: lil-347113
ABSTRACT
Worldwide, the impact of meningococcal disease is substantial, and the potential for the introduction and spread of more virulent strains of N. meningitidis or strains with increased resistance to current antibiotics causes concern, making prevention essential. OBJECTIVES:
Review the indications for meningococcal disease vaccines, considering the epidemiological status in Brazil.METHODS:
A critical literature review on this issue using the Medline and Lilacs databases.RESULTS:
In Brazil, MenB and MenC were the most important serogroups identified in the 1990s. Polysaccharide vaccines available against those serogroups can offer only limited protection for infants, the group at highest risk for meningococcal disease. Additionally, polysaccharide vaccines may induce a hypo-responsive state to MenC. New meningococcal C conjugate vaccines could partially solve these problems, but it is unlikely that in the next few years a vaccine against MenB that can promote good protection against multiple strains of MenB responsible for endemic and epidemic diseases will become available.CONCLUSIONS:
In order to make the best decision about recommendations on immunization practices, better quality surveillance data are required. In Brazil, MenC was responsible for about 2,000 cases per year during the last 10 years. New conjugate vaccines against MenC are very effective and immunogenic, and they should be recommended, especially for children less than 5 years old. Polysaccharide vaccines should be indicated only in epidemic situations and for high-risk groups. Until new vaccines against MenC and MenB are available for routine immunization programs, the most important measure for controlling meningococcal disease is early diagnosis of these infections in order to treat patients and to offer chemoprophylaxis to contacts
Texto completo:
Disponible
Índice:
LILACS (Américas)
Asunto principal:
Vacunas Meningococicas
/
Neisseria meningitidis Serogrupo C
/
Meningitis Meningocócica
Tipo de estudio:
Guía de Práctica Clínica
/
Estudio de tamizaje
Límite:
Humanos
País/Región como asunto:
America del Sur
/
Brasil
Idioma:
Inglés
Revista:
Rev. Hosp. Clin. Fac. Med. Univ. Säo Paulo
Asunto de la revista:
Medicina
Año:
2003
Tipo del documento:
Artículo
País de afiliación:
Brasil
Institución/País de afiliación:
University of Säo Paulo/BR
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