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Virology and Viral Diseases · Journal article
Euromediterranean Biomedical Journal · August 28, 2026
Early or partial results. Treat as a signal, not a conclusion.
This is a preliminary retrospective descriptive report of 16 invasive meningococcal disease cases in Sicily between 2023 and 2026, integrated with vaccination registry data. The analysis documents that serogroup B predominated, unvaccinated individuals accounted for most cases, and no cases occurred among those fully vaccinated against MenB, but the small sample size and lack of comparator limit inference about causation or public health impact.
Retrospective descriptive analysis. All invasive meningococcal disease cases reported in Sicily 2023–2026, linked to regional immunization registry data.. Intervention: No intervention; observational analysis of natural disease occurrence and vaccination status.. n = 16. Sicily, Italy.
Total 16 IMD cases identified during 2023–2026 study period Serogroup B predominant: 14/16 cases (87.5%); serogroups Y and C: 1/16 each (6.25%) Overall 13/16 cases (81.3%) occurred in unvaccinated individuals
Safety was not reported in the material analysed. Check the source before drawing any conclusion about harm.
While the observation that no fully MenB-vaccinated individuals developed IMD is consistent with vaccine efficacy, the very small case count and single-region design prevent this from supporting changes to vaccination practice. The data are better used to highlight surveillance integration as a tool and to identify need for larger, multi-centre analysis.
A small retrospective descriptive analysis of 16 cases over a 4-year period in a single region, designed to inform vaccination strategy but lacking a comparator group, control arm, or formal hypothesis testing.
As stated by the source record.
Quoted from the source exactly as published.
While the observation that no fully MenB-vaccinated individuals developed IMD is consistent with vaccine efficacy, the very small case count and single-region design prevent this from supporting changes to vaccination practice. The data are better used to highlight surveillance integration as a tool and to identify need for larger, multi-centre analysis.
Graded across the dimensions that decide whether you should act, each from what the source actually supports. There is no single score, and where a dimension was not assessed it says so.
Background. Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), caused by Neisseria meningitidis, remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with epidemiology strongly influenced by age distribution and vaccination strategies. The integration of epidemiological data with vaccination records is essential for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases and for informing public health interventions.This study is part of the DARE (DigitAl lifelong pRevEntion) initiative and the Digivax project, both aimed at strengthening immunization strategies and surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases through the integration of health information systems. The aim of this study was to describe the recent epidemiology of IMD in Sicily, focusing on age distribution, serogroup distribution, and vaccination status. Materials and Methods. A preliminary retrospective analysis of IMD cases reported in Sicily between 2023 and 2026 was conducted. Epidemiological and microbiological data were linked to vaccination records through the Regional Immunization Registry (AVUR). Cases were stratified by age group (0–9 years; ≥10 years), serogroup, and vaccination status (unvaccinated; partially or fully vaccinated). Results. A total of 16 IMD cases were identified during the study period, with a higher occurrence in pediatric than in adult populations. Serogroup B was predominant (14/16; 87.5%), followed by serogroups Y (1/16; 6.25%) and C (1/16; 6.25%). Overall, 13/16 cases (81.3%) occurred in unvaccinated individuals. The remaining 3 cases (18.7%) were reported in vaccinated subjects: one had received the MenC vaccine, and two had received the MenB vaccine with an incomplete schedule. No cases were observed among individuals fully vaccinated against MenB. Conclusions. IMD continues to affect both pediatric and adult populations in Sicily, with a clear predominance of serogroup B. The integration of multiple data sources represents a valuable tool for strengthening epidemiological surveillance and supporting evidence-based regional vaccination strategies. Note: The project is part of the Italian Complementary National Plan PNC-I.1 ”Research initiatives for innovative technologies and pathways in the health and welfare sector” D.D. 931 of 06/06/2022, ”DARE - DigitAl lifelong pRevEn-tion” initiative, code PNC0000002, CUP: B53C22006460001.
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