Meningococci, group ACWY

Meningococci cause serious bacterial infections transmitted through respiratory droplets during close contact between people. The disease most often manifests as meningitis (purulent inflammation of the meninges) or sepsis (blood poisoning). Both forms often progress very rapidly and have a high mortality rate, reaching 10–15% in developed countries, even with timely antibiotic treatment and care in intensive care units.

The highest risk of infection is in the so-called “meningitis belt” of sub-Saharan Africa, which stretches from Senegal to Ethiopia. Epidemics occur regularly in this region, particularly during the dry season from December to June. There is also an increased risk of infection in Saudi Arabia during the pilgrimages to Mecca (Hajj, Umrah), where vaccination against meningococcal serogroups ACWY is mandatory. Sporadic cases occur worldwide, including in Europe. In the Czech Republic, this is a less common disease, primarily caused by serogroups B and C. Vaccination is covered by health insurance for infants and adolescents in the Czech Republic.

The incubation period for meningococcal infections is 2–10 days. Clinically, the disease manifests as fever, headache, neck stiffness, altered consciousness, and characteristic bloody petechiae on the skin. In the septic form, the patient may go into shock with multiple organ failure within a few hours. Some survivors suffer permanent consequences such as limb loss or deafness.

Although meningococci are generally highly susceptible to antibiotic treatment, the rapid onset of symptoms and the severe course of the disease make vaccination the most effective form of prevention.