This is an abridged version of the Surveillance of Bacterial Meningitis in Europe report 1999/2000. The following facts and figures were the most up to date available at the time of compiling this report.
EU-IBIS, a surveillance network for invasive meningococcal disease, continues to fulfil its aims to gather and improve epidemiological information about the disease, to integrate and analyse molecular data, and to form the focus for a wider collaboration.
Findings in this study confirmed the herd immunity effect of immunizing young children, since invasive meningococcal disease was not only reduced among vaccinees, but in all age groups.
4CMenB has the potential to reduce serogroup B meningococcal disease substantially. Despite its potential, the vaccine may have some limitations, and it remains to be seen if booster doses will be required to sustain protection.