The meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) currently recommended for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj is required because Neisseria meningitidis serogroup most commonly implicated in Hajj-associated outbreaks is:
- A Serogroup B
- B Serogroup A
- C Serogroup W (W-135) ✓
- D Serogroup C
Correct answer: C. Serogroup W (W-135)
Explanation
Serogroup W135 (now called W) caused major Hajj-associated meningococcal disease outbreaks in 2000 and 2001, leading Saudi Arabia to mandate quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (ACWY) for all Hajj pilgrims. Serogroup W is now endemic in the African 'meningitis belt' alongside A and C. The polysaccharide vaccine (MenACWY) replaced the bivalent AC vaccine for this purpose.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.