Abstract

NORIS-GARCIA, Elena et al. Intrathecal immune response and clinical characteristics of meningoencephalitis due to Neisseria meningitidis in immunized patients with the Cuban vaccine VA-MENGO-BC® . Vaccimonitor [online]. 2008, vol.17, n.2, pp.20-24. ISSN 1025-028X.

Morbimortality due to meningococcal disease in Cuba have been diminished by a massive meningococcal (VA-MENGOC-BC®) vaccination campaign. However, some years later, meningococcal disease in vaccinated children is reported. This study aims at describing the neuroinmmunological and clinical behavior of the illness in 12 vaccinated children, who were admitted at the Pediatric Hospital from San Miguel del Padrón municipality suffering from meningoencephalitis due to Neisseria meningitidis. Simultaneous blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were obtained. Major immunoglobulin and albumin were quantified in both fluids by radial immunodiffusion, these results were compared to those of eight non-immunized patients who were sick before this vaccine was included in the National Vaccination Schedule. Neuroimmunological response and the clinical characteristics of vaccinated patients were different from what was previously observed in non-vaccinated patients. The disease was less serious in the vaccinated group. The pattern of intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulins was also different in both groups. The mean value of intrathecal synthesis of IgG, IgM, IgA was statistically significant higher in non-vaccinated patients. This study leads to the conclusion that in the studied sample the vaccine modifies the immunological response and the clinical frame of the disease.

Keywords : Meningoencephalitis Neisseria meningitidis; vaccine; immunoglobulin intrathecal synthesis.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )