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Invasive meningococcal disease in Italy: from analysis of national data to an evidence-based vaccination strategy.
- Source :
-
Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene [J Prev Med Hyg] 2020 Jul 04; Vol. 61 (2), pp. E152-E161. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Jul 04 (Print Publication: 2020). - Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- Introduction: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is one of the most severe vaccine-preventable disease not yet under control. In Italy, although different anti-meningococcal vaccines are available, their offer among regions is heterogeneous. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology of IMD in Italy based on analysis of national surveillance data for 2011-2017 to optimize the vaccination strategy.<br />Methods: IMD surveillance data from the Italian National Health Institute were analysed. Microsoft Excel was used to present trend analysis, stratifying by age and serogroups.<br />Results: In Italy, during the period 2011-2017, the incidence of IMD increased from 0.25 cases/100,000 inhabitants in 2011 to 0.33 cases/100,000 in 2017. Most cases after 2012 were caused by non-B serogroups. The number of cases in subjects aged 25-64 years increased steadily after 2012 (36 cases in 2011, 79 in 2017), mostly due to non-B serogroups, representing more than 65% of cases in those aged 25+ years.<br />Conclusions: In the period from 2011 to 2017, the incidence of IMDs increased in Italy. The increase, probably due also to a better surveillance, highlights the importance of the disease in the adult population and the high level of circulation of non-B serogroups in particular after 2012. Our analysis supports an anti-meningococcal vaccination plan in Italy that should include the highest number of preventable serogroups and be aimed at vaccinating a wider population through a multicohort strategy.<br />Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest statement SI, LB, SP and GCL work for Sanofi Pasteur Italia. The other authors declare no conflict of interest.<br /> (©2020 Pacini Editore SRL, Pisa, Italy.)
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Child
Child, Preschool
Databases, Factual
Humans
Incidence
Infant
Italy epidemiology
Middle Aged
Population Surveillance methods
Young Adult
Evidence-Based Medicine
Meningococcal Infections physiopathology
Meningococcal Infections prevention & control
Meningococcal Vaccines administration & dosage
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2421-4248
- Volume :
- 61
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 32802999
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.2.1589