[Meningococcus B serosubtypes causing invasive disease in Cantabria [Spain] and agreement with the Cuban vaccine strain].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the serosubtypes of meningococcus B causing invasive disease in Cantabria and the percentage of agreement with the Cuban vaccine strain, VA-MENGOC-BC.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of all cases of invasive disease due to meningococcus B declared through the Diseases of Mandatory Reporting System between 1st January 1998 and 28th February 2003. The bacteriological isolates of the "Marqués de Valdecilla" University Hospital, and the serosubtyping performed in the Majadahonda reference laboratory (Madrid, Spain) were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 117 declared cases, serosubtype was identified in 79 (67.5%). The agreement with the Cuban vaccine strain was 67%, 71% and 76% in the age groups of newborn to 19 years, 18 months to 19 years, and 4 to 19 years, respectively. When strains with cross-protection were included, these percentages increased to 83%, 83% and 84%, respectively, in the same age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The percentage of agreement between the Cuban vaccine strain and heterologous strains with cross-protection was high. Therefore, this vaccine could be useful in Cantabria.