Meningococcal disease control in countries of the African meningitis belt

Overview

Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Of the 13 subtypes or serogroups of N. meningitidis identified, 4 (N. meningitidis A, B, C and W135) are recognized to be the main causes of epidemics. The pathogenicity, immunogenicity, and epidemic capabilities differ according to the serogroup. Thus the identification of the serogroup responsible for an outbreak is crucial for its containment.