The authors of this article, published in Vaccine, discuss how the introduction of vaccines against Neisseria meningitidis raises the question of whether disease caused by this obligate human bacterium can be controlled, eliminated, or even eradicated. The limited number of meningococcal serogroups, lack of an animal reservoir, and importance of meningococcal disease are considerations in favor of eradication; however, the commensal nature of most infections, the high diversity of meningococcal populations, and the lack of comprehensive vaccines are all factors that suggest it is not feasible. The control and possible elimination of disease caused by particular disease-associated meningococcal genotypes is a more achievable and worthwhile goal. ABSTRACT ONLY. (Learn how users in developing countries can gain free access to journal articles.)

Author(s): Maiden MC, Frosch M

Published: 2012

Resource types: Peer-reviewed journal

Diseases: Meningococcus

Topics: Disease/vaccine specific information

Regions: Global