Abstract

MILLER, Jacqueline; POOLMAN, Jan  and  BOUTRIAU, Dominique. The New Generation of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccines: Rationale and Global Potential. Vaccimonitor [online]. 2009, vol.18, n.2, pp.58-60. ISSN 1025-028X.

The serogroup distribution of Neisseria meningitidis strains implicated in invasive disease varies geographically and temporally. Monovalent serogroup C conjugate vaccines have successfully reduced serogroup C disease in countries where they are used. However, combinations containing multiple serogroups are needed to fully address disease prevention. GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals’ combined serogroups C, Y and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine (Hib-MenCY-TT) has been shown to be immunogenic and well tolerated in infants. The novel Hib-MenCY-TT vaccine has the potential to prevent approximately 90% of non-serogroup B disease in the US. Several manufacturers have investigated tetravalent ACWY conjugate vaccines. One ACWY conjugate vaccine has been licensed for use 2-55 year olds, but the immunogenicity in infants was reduced. Results of other ACWY vaccines using different protein conjugates have shown higher immunogenicity in infants. The next generation of combination meningococcal conjugate vaccines has potential to further reduce morbidity and mortality due to N. meningitidis, provided they are safe and immunogenic in infants and toddlers. A Hib-MenCY-TT vaccine could substantially reduce meningococcal disease in the US, while tetravalent ACWY conjugate vaccines have the potential to provide coverage across age strata against four of the five major serotypes implicated in invasive meningococcal disease.

Keywords : Meningitis; Neisseria meningitidis; vaccine; primary vaccination.

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