2023-11-14 19:30:33
The increase in cases of meningococcal meningitis following the lifting of restrictions linked to Covid-19 is worrying health professionals. A study by the Pasteur Institute reveals a significant increase in infections, particularly among young adults.
The Pasteur Institute, thanks to its National Reference Center for Meningococci, studied the evolution of cases of meningococcal meningitis between 2015 and 2022. The cessation of health measures linked to Covid-19 marked a turning point, revealing a rebound unexpected illness. Most recent cases are associated with strains of meningococci that were less common before the pandemic and now affect more young adults between 16 and 24 years old. These observations, published in the “Journal of Infection and Public Health” in October 2023, have significant implications for the vaccine strategy once morest this potentially fatal condition.
The reduction in barrier gestures and its consequences
Precautionary measures such as mask wearing and physical distancing, adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic, have had a positive impact on reducing respiratory infections, including meningococcal meningitis. However, with the relaxation of these measures, cases of meningitis increased rapidly. In 2020 and 2021, a drop of more than 75% in contamination was observed. However, from the fall of 2022, an unprecedented rebound in the disease was noted. By the fall of 2023, the number of cases exceeded those recorded before the pandemic. Between January and September 2019, 298 cases were recorded, compared to 421 for the same period in 2023, an increase of 36%, even before the winter peak this year.
Change in meningococcal strains and impact on young people
A notable mutation has occurred in the typology of meningococcal strains. Groups W and Y became more predominant following the pandemic. Researchers at the Pasteur Institute noted that all age categories are affected, but young people aged 16 to 24 are now particularly vulnerable. This development suggests that the meningococcal strains responsible for current infections differ from those that prevailed before the pandemic. It appears that the Covid-19 outbreak has served as a catalyst for a system reset, resulting in a changed epidemiological landscape
This resurgence of meningococcal meningitis might intensify with the arrival of seasonal flu. The influenza virus actually creates an environment conducive to the proliferation of meningococcal bacteria. In addition, large gatherings encourage contamination, thus accelerating the spread of this disease.
Towards an evolving vaccine strategy
In France, vaccination once morest meningococcus group C is compulsory, while vaccination once morest group B is recommended for infants. However, there is no general directive yet concerning the Y and W strains. Researchers are working in collaboration with the High Authority for Health to adapt the vaccination strategy. Ala-Eddine Deghmane suggests the use of the tetravalent vaccine (A, C, Y, W) in adolescents, the main healthy carriers, to protect both this age group and indirectly the rest of the population. Muhamed-Kheir Taha highlights the importance of vaccine prevention, emphasizing that untreated bacterial meningitis is almost always fatal, with a persistent mortality of 10% even with appropriate treatment.
« If the tetravalent vaccine targeting meningococci of groups A, C, Y and W were recommended for adolescents, this would protect them directly but also indirectly protect other categories of the population. … And we must not forget that without treatment, bacterial meningitis is almost 100% fatal and even when properly treated, mortality remains 10%. This underlines the importance of vaccination prevention. », Muhamed-Kheir Taha.
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