Meningococcal disease in Colombia

Abstract

Introduction. Meningococcal disease is caused by Neissera meningitidis serogroups A,B,C,W,Y and X. Its epidemiology makes strategies to prevent or predict its occurrence difficult. In children under 5 years of age, incidence rates are higher worldwide; however, it depends on the country, year and serogroup. The objective is to present a narrative review of the most relevant epidemiological data in Colombia. Methodology. Research was made in reports on disease events; surveillance reports and articles in Medline, Clinical Key, UpToDate, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, Pubmed and OpenEvidence databases. Results. Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) presents a wide spectrum of symptoms, from mild to severe clinical manifestations in a short time; therefore, the epidemiological dynamics and the evolution of serogroups in meningococcal disease are essential to reduce its impact on public health. Conclusions. In Colombia, IMD shows a changing pattern of serogroups; by 2025, serogroup B will dominate, requiring constant epidemiological surveillance and dynamic preventive responses.