Increase of invasive meningococcal serogroup W disease in Europe, 2013 to 2017

Abstract

Background The total incidence of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Europe has been declining in recent years; however, a rising incidence due to serogroup W (MenW), predominantly sequence type 11 (ST-11), clonal complex 11 (cc11), was reported in some European countries. Aim The aim of this study was to compile the most recent laboratory surveillance data on MenW IMD from several European countries to assess recent trends in Europe. Methods In this observational, retrospective study, IMD surveillance data collected from 2013–17 by national reference laboratories and surveillance units from 13 European countries were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results The overall incidence of IMD has been stable during the study period. Incidence of MenW IMD per 100,000 population (2013: 0.03; 2014: 0.05; 2015: 0.08; 2016: 0.11; 2017: 0.11) and the proportion of this serogroup among all invasive cases (2013: 5% (116/2,216); 2014: 9% (161/1,761); 2015: 13% (271/2,074); 2016: 17% (388/2,222); 2017: 19% (393/2,112)) continuously increased. The most affected countries were England, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden. MenW was more frequent in older age groups (≥ 45 years), while the proportion in children (< 15 years) was lower than in other age groups. Of the culture-confirmed MenW IMD cases, 80% (615/767) were caused by hypervirulent cc11. Conclusion During the years 2013–17, an increase in MenW IMD, mainly caused by MenW cc11, was observed in the majority of European countries. Given the unpredictable nature of meningococcal spread and the epidemiological potential of cc11, European countries may consider preventive strategies adapted to their contexts.

Descriptive Study of Neisseria Meningitidis Isolates from Patients in Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico in 2010 and 2011

“…According to reports in the literature there is a difference of the circulating serotypes but similar clonal complex (CC11) in Mexico, with those of other countries such as Europe, where the total incidence of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) was considered to have been decreasing in recent years; however, a rising Genetic analysis of serogroup C strains showed a very similar electrophoretic profile investigated in the present study and provides evidence of the presence of a single clonal complex identified as CC 11, considered to be hypervirulent and to have caused meningitis and septicemia epidemics in other regions [18,26].…”

“…incidence of IMD caused by serogroup W (MenW) was reported in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2009, then the Netherlands and Sweden, following the spread of MenW IMD in South America since 2004. The isolated strains predominantly belong to the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) defined hyper virulent clonal complex clonal complex 11 (CC 11)[18].…”

Determinants of Meningococcal ACWY vaccination in adolescents in the US: completion and compliance with the CDC recommendations

“…11 Globally, increasing trends in serogroup W disease incidence in recent years have been reported. 9,12 Recent data point to a significant relative burden of serogroups C and Y in adolescents compared to other serogroups; MacNeil et al speculate that this is likely associated with adolescents either not receiving the MenACWY vaccine or not receiving the MenACWY booster dose in late adolescence. 13 Adherence to current ACIP recommendations for vaccination constitutes a critical aspect for public health.…”

Recent changes of invasive meningococcal disease in France: arguments to revise the vaccination strategy in view of those of other countries

“…9 10 The emergence and expansion of isolates of serogroup W derived from the South America UK strain were also observed in other European countries. 11 These isolates first emerged in the UK since 2009 with a subsequent emergence in the Netherlands since 2012-2013. 12…”