In view of a recent epidemic of meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B N. meningitidis in the Greater S. Paulo area (Brazil), a review of the epidemics that occurred in Brazil during the period from 1900 to 1990 is presented. The current status of vaccines against N. meningitidis A.C.Y. and W135 is analysed. The recent advances in the development and effectiveness of B. meningococci vaccines are discussed.
Neisseriameningitidis; Bacterial vacinnes; Meningitis, meningoccoal