Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

Background: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), caused by Neisseria meningitidis, is a severe and potentially fatal infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. It manifests as meningitis, septicemia, or a combination of both, with other rarer forms such as pneumonia, septic arthritis, and pericarditis. IMD remains a significant public health concern despite its relatively low incidence, with a 10% case fatality rate and lasting sequelae in survivors. Surveillance and immunization are crucial in managing the disease's unpredictable epidemiology and reducing its impact.

Aim: This review examines global trends in IMD incidence, focusing on age group distributions, serogroup variations, and the role of vaccination in preventing the disease. The aim is to provide an updated overview of the current epidemiological landscape and the effectiveness of public health strategies.

Methods: The review is based on a thorough examination of 90 grey literature reports and 22 peer-reviewed publications, collected from a pool of over 2000 articles, with a focus on data from 77 countries. The analysis covers IMD incidence, serogroup distributions, and epidemiological trends from 2010 to 2019, with particular attention to the years 2017-2019.Results: The incidence of IMD varied widely across regions, with the highest rates observed in countries like Niger and Burkina Faso. Infants and young children exhibited the highest disease burden, followed by secondary peaks in adolescents and young adults. Serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y were identified as the major causes of IMD, with serogroup B emerging as the predominant cause in many regions. Vaccination efforts have contributed to declines in serogroup A in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa.

Conclusion: This review highlights the global burden of IMD and the importance of ongoing surveillance to monitor trends and guide prevention efforts. Vaccination has proven effective in reducing the incidence of key serogroups, particularly in regions with high disease prevalence. Continued global surveillance and targeted vaccination programs remain essential in controlling IMD.