MODERN DIAGNOSTIC METHODS AND PREVENTION OF MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTION: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Abstract
Meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis is a medical emergency capable of causing death within 24 hours of symptom onset. Despite the availability of vaccines and established treatment protocols, timely and accurate diagnosis remains the single greatest determinant of clinical outcome. Objective: This literature review critically evaluates contemporary diagnostic methods and preventive strategies for meningococcal infection, with particular emphasis on evidence published between 2023 and 2025. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, WHO, and CDC databases was conducted using the terms “meningococcal diagnosis,” “Ng meningitidis PCR,” “meningococcal vaccine,” “meningococcal NGS,” and related MeSH headings. Studies published between January 2023 and June 2025 were prioritized; foundational references predating this window were included where necessary to provide methodological context. Key Findings: Multiplex real-time PCR has supplanted culture as the diagnostic reference standard in many high-income settings, offering sensitivity exceeding 93% independent of prior antibiotic administration. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing and AI-assisted clinical decision tools represent emerging but not yet operationally validated technologies. The newly FDA-approved pentavalent vaccine MenABCWY (Penbraya) and the advancing pentavalent ACYWX candidate signal a shift toward broader-spectrum single-injection protection. Conclusion: While diagnostic and preventive capabilities have advanced substantially, critical gaps persist in low-resource settings, in surveillance of emerging serogroups, and in equitable vaccine access. Integrated genomic surveillance and AI-assisted triage offer the most promising directions for bridging these gaps.
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