A meningococcal B vaccine induces cross-protection against gonorrhea
10.7774/cevr.2019.8.2.110
- Author:
Rolando Felipe Ochoa AZZE
1
Author Information
1. Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, University of Medical Sciences, Havana, Cuba. rochoa@infomed.sld.cu
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Neisseria meningitidis;
Neisseria gonorrhoeae;
Gonorrhea;
Vaccines
- MeSH:
Cuba;
Gonorrhea;
Hepatitis B;
HIV;
Humans;
Immunity, Herd;
Immunization Programs;
Incidence;
Membranes;
Neisseria gonorrhoeae;
Neisseria meningitidis;
Serogroup;
Sexually Transmitted Diseases;
Syphilis;
Vaccination;
Vaccines
- From:Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
2019;8(2):110-115
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae share between 80% and 90% of their genetic sequence. Meningococcal serogroup B vaccines based on outer membrane vesicles—such as VA-MENGOC-BC—could cross-protect against gonorrhea. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence rates of gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted diseases with respect to the use of the VA-MENGOC-BC vaccine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Health statistics between 1970 and 2017 were reviewed and the incidence of meningococcal disease and sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, syphilis, condyloma acuminatum, hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus infection) were analyzed during the pre- and post-vaccination periods. Gonorrhea incidence was also analyzed by age groups. RESULTS: VA-MENGOC-BC was successfully used to control a meningococcal epidemic in Cuba. The strategy to combat the epidemic was carried out in two stages. The first one was a nationwide mass-vaccination campaign from 1989 to 1990, targeting the population at highest-risk aged 3 months to 24 years. During the second stage, begun in 1991, it was included in the Expanded Immunization Program. Gonorrhea incidence increased from 1970 to 1989. However, after the VA-MENGOC-BC massive vaccination campaign a sharp decrease of gonorrhea incidence was observed. It lasted between 1989 and 1993. A second incidence peak was detected in 1995, but it dropped again. Data clearly show a decline in the incidence of gonorrhea following massive vaccination, in contrast with other sexually transmitted diseases. Incidence rates in unvaccinated age groups also decreased, probably due to herd immunity. CONCLUSION: There is evidence that VA-MENGOC-BC could induce a moderate protection against gonorrhea.
