title: Critical episodes in the understanding and control of epidemic meningococcal meningitis.
abstract: Epidemic meningococcal meningitis continues to be an important worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. Throughout its relatively brief history, especially over the past century, a number of 'critical episodes' have occurred that have enhanced our understanding of the disease and allowed for its potential control. This article reviews three such 'episodes': the first effective treatment for the disease; the development of the first effective meningococcal vaccine; and the description of its epidemiology in sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of epidemic meningococcal disease continues to occur. These historical 'episodes' have informed current strategies that may lead to eventual control of epidemic meningococcal meningitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02860, USA. artenstein@brown.edu
authors.forename: Andrew W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Artenstein
authors.forename: F Marc
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: LaForce
mesh_terms: D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000453:epidemiology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008585:Meningitis, Meningococcal / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000266:history* / Q000517:prevention & control; D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines / Q000266:history*
chemical_list: D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines