Epidemiology and pathogenesis of Neisseria meningitidis

Neisseria meningitidis, an exclusive pathogen of humans, remains the leadin g worldwide cause of meningitis and fatal sepsis, usually in otherwise heal thy individuals. In recent years, significant advances have improved our un derstanding of the epidemiology and genetic basis of meningococcal disease and led to progress in the development of the next generation of meningococ cal vaccines. This review summarizes current knowledge of the human suscept ibility to and the epidemiology and molecular pathogenesis of meningococcal disease. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.