Meningococcal infection in modern conditions: clinical, microbiological and preventive aspects

Abstract

The problem of meningococcal infection remains relevant due to the high epidemiological and social significance throughout the world, the unpredictability of the course, a wide range of clinical manifestations (from asymptomatic carriage to extremely severe generalized forms) with a high risk of life-threatening conditions and deaths, and a significant incidence of disability after past illness (loss of limbs, deafness, mental inferiority, and more). The changing serogroup landscape of meningococcal infection with an increase in the incidence of diseases caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W, Y and others is noteworthy. The article presents an analytical review of literature and reflects current clinical, epidemiological, diagnostic and preventive trends in the Russian Federation and abroad. The review focuses on the epidemiological features of meningococcal infection, depending on the serogroup affiliation of meningococcus, the variety of clinical manifestations of the generalized form of meningococcal infection, including atypical manifestations, age-related features, depending on the serogroup of the pathogen. New diagnostic approaches and the possibilities of specific prophylaxis are highlighted. Attention is focused on the importance of monitoring the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of meningococcal infection depending on the genetic characteristics of the pathogen, and the need for further in-depth studies of this problem.