The Rise and Fall of EpidemicNeisseria meningitidisSerogroup W135 Meningitis in Burkina Faso, 2002–2005

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Background. During the period 2001–2002, Burkina Faso reported its first meningitis epidemic due to Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) serogroup W135, prompting concerns that this serogroup would persist as a cause of epidemic disease. Methods. During the period 2002–2005, hospital- and population-based surveillances were conducted in 3 districts in Burkina Faso. Etiology was determined by culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and latex agglutination. Reference laboratories determined phenotype and genotype. Results. of 2004 subjects who received a lumbar puncture, 265 were identified as having Nm, including 93 who had Nm serogroup A (NmA) and 146 who had Nm serogroup W135 (NmW135). Over the study period, the proportion of cases due to NmW135 decreased by >75%, primarily because of decreased occurrence among young children and in a single district. During peak epidemic months, the annualized incidence of NmW135 decreased from 146 cases to Conclusions. For unknown reasons, serogroup W135 achieved epidemic status, primarily among young children, and then largely disappeared over a short time period. The continued circulation of multiple strains with epidemic potential emphasizes the need for ongoing surveillance and the potential benefit of vaccines that are protective across serogroups.

This publication has 21 references indexed in Scilit: