Meningococcus

Meningococcus (Neisseria meningitidis) has 13 known serotypes with groups A, B, and C being the most common causes of disease worldwide. Meningococcal A epidemics kill several thousands of people each year in the African meningitis belt, mainly affecting infants and young children. Meningococcal disease can be treated with antibiotics; however, even with adequate antibiotic treatment, at least 10 percent of patients die within 48 hours of onset of symptoms, while 10 to 20 percent of survivors develop severe disabilities. Existing vaccines are only partially effective against major disease-causing strains in the developing world.

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Page last updated: August 2008.