A Seroepidemiological Study of Serogroup A Meningococcal Infection in the African Meningitis Belt

作者：Manigart Olivier; Trotter Caroline; Findlow Helen; Assefa Abraham; Mihret Wude; Demisse Tesfaye Moti; Yeshitela Biruk; Osei Isaac; Hodgson Abraham; Quaye Stephen Laryea; Sow Samba; Coulibaly Mamadou; Diallo Kanny; Traore Awa; Collard Jean Marc; Boukary Rahamatou Moustapha; Djermakoye Oumarou; Mahamane Ali Elhaji; Jusot Jean Francois; Sokhna Cheikh; Alavo Serge; Doucoure Souleymane; Ba El Hadj; Dieng Marietou; Diallo Aldiouma; Daugla Doumagoum Moto; Omotara Babatunji

来源：PLos One, 2016, 11(2): e0147928.

DOI：10.1371/journal.pone.0147928

The pattern of epidemic meningococcal disease in the African meningitis belt may be influenced by the background level of population immunity but this has been measured infrequently. A standardised enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring meningococcal serogroup A IgG antibodies was established at five centres within the meningitis belt. Antibody concentrations were then measured in 3930 individuals stratified by age and residence from six countries. Seroprevalence by age was used in a catalytic model to determine the force of infection. Meningococcal serogroup A IgG antibody concentrations were high in each country but showed heterogeneity across the meningitis belt. The geometric mean concentration (GMC) was highest in Ghana (9.09 mu g/mL [95% CI 8.29, 9.97]) and lowest in Ethiopia (1.43 mu g/mL [95% CI 1.31, 1.57]) on the margins of the belt. The force of infection was lowest in Ethiopia (lambda = 0.028). Variables associated with a concentration above the putative protective level of 2 mu g/mL were age, urban residence and a history of recent vaccination with a meningococcal vaccine. Prior to vaccination with the serogroup A meningococcal conjugate vaccine, meningococcal serogroup A IgG antibody concentrations were high across the African meningitis belt and yet the region remained susceptible to epidemics.

• 出版日期2016-2-12