To evaluate the epidemiological profile of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), meningococcal meningitis, and Neisseria meningitidis carriers in Latin America. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify and analyze studies published in 2008-2018. Incidence rates, case fatality rates (CFRs), and the relative distribution of cases per serogroup by country were assessed. Results: Meningococcal surveillance in Latin America differs among countries, and most systems are based on passive sentinel surveillance. Thirty-nine studies were selected. In 2006, the incidence rate of IMD per 100 000 inhabitants was highest in Brazil (1.9), followed by Uruguay (1.3), Chile (0.8), Argentina (0.7), Colombia and Venezuela (0.3 each), and Mexico (0.06). Brazil reported the highest CFR (20%), followed by Uruguay (15%), Chile (11%), and Venezuela and Argentina (10% each). In 2012, the CFR in Chile increased to approximately 27%. The most frequent serogroups among IMD cases were C in

Neisseria meningitidis, a gram-negative diplococcus, is typically an asymptomatic coloniser of the oropharynx and nasopharynx. Passage of N. meningitidis into the bloodstream can cause invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), a potentially life-threatening illness with rapid onset that generally presents as meningitis, septicemia or both. Serogroup W IMD has been increasing in prevalence in recent years, and observations suggest that it may present with atypical signs and symptoms. Herein, a literature search was performed to identify trends in atypical serogroup W IMD presentation in order to review those that are most prevalent. Findings indicate that the most prevalent atypical presentations of serogroup W IMD include acute gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, septic arthritis and bacteremic pneumonia or severe upper respiratory tract infection, notably epiglottitis. Atypical clinical presentation is associated with higher case fatality rates and can lead to misdiagnoses. Such risks highlight the need for clinicians to consider IMD in their differential diagnoses of patients with acute GI symptoms, septic arthritis or bacteremic pneumonia, primarily in regions where serogroup W is prevalent.