Complications of serogroup B meningococcal disease in survivors: a review

Infect Disord Drug Targets. 2014;14(3):205-12. doi: 10.2174/1871526515999150320155614.

Abstract

This systematic review evaluates the prevalence of long-term complications of serogroup B meningococcal disease (MD) in light of the recent licensure of a vaccine against meningococcal B disease. Twelve appropriate studies were identified by searching available databases from 1946 to July 2014. The average prevalence of hearing impairment was 4.2% among serogroup B MD survivors; 2.3% suffered amputation and 2.3% developed seizures. When compared with complications due to non-meningococcal B bacterial meningitis, physical impairment and seizures were more common in survivors of meningococcal B disease but hearing impairment had similar prevalence. Few studies quantified less frequent complications such as visual impairment and cognitive dysfunction. Better comprehensive reporting of the complications and costs of serogroup B MD in survivors and their families is needed to inform vaccination policy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / complications*
  • Meningococcal Infections / complications*
  • Meningococcal Vaccines
  • Middle Aged
  • Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup B*
  • Prevalence
  • Survivors / statistics & numerical data
  • Vaccination
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Meningococcal Vaccines