The increase in meningococcal infections among PWH highlights the need for better vaccination coverage.
In 2022, 29 cases of meningococcal disease were reported among persons with HIV (PWH) in contrast to 5–15 per year during the prior 5 years. While about half of these infections were part of a serogroup C outbreak among men who have sex with men (MSM), the remaining cases were sporadic and mostly caused by a single strain of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y (clonal complex CC174 sequence type ST-1466). Black MSM were overrepresented among the sporadic cases, highlighting health disparities.
As PWH are at excess risk for meningococcal infection, the routine primary series of MenACWY vaccine with booster immunization every 5 years is recommended. However, coverage is low: Only an estimated <20% of PWH have been immunized.
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardAicuris; Bayer; GSK; Innovative Molecules; Merck; MAPP Biopharmaceutical (Safety Monitoring Committee)
RoyaltiesUpToDate
Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; GSK; Moderna; Assembly Biomedical; Aicuris
Editorial BoardsSexually Transmitted Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Journal of Infectious Diseases
Leadership PositionsID Division Chiefs Community of Practice (At-Large Member)
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardAicuris; Bayer; GSK; Innovative Molecules; Merck; MAPP Biopharmaceutical (Safety Monitoring Committee)
RoyaltiesUpToDate
Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; GSK; Moderna; Assembly Biomedical; Aicuris
Editorial BoardsSexually Transmitted Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Journal of Infectious Diseases
Leadership PositionsID Division Chiefs Community of Practice (At-Large Member)