Immunogenicity of 2 Serogroup B Outer-Membrane Protein Meningococcal Vaccines: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Chile

CONTEXT Meningococcal disease occurs worldwide, and serogroup B disease accounts for a large proportion of cases. Although persons younger than 4 years are at greatest risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease, vaccine efficacy has not been demonstrated in this age group. OBJECTIVE To evaluate serum bactericidal activity (SBA) against homologous vaccine type strains and a heterologous Chilean epidemic strain of Neisseria meningitidis as a potential correlate for vaccine efficacy. DESIGN Double-blind, randomized controlled trial conducted between March 14 and July 20, 1994. All blood samples were taken by December 1994. SETTING Santiago, Chile, where a clonal serogroup B meningococcal disease epidemic began in 1993. PARTICIPANTS Infants younger than 1 year (n=187), children aged 2 to 4 years (n=183), and adults aged 17 to 30 years (n=173). INTERVENTION Participants received 3 doses of outer-membrane protein (OMP) meningococcal vaccine developed in either Cuba or Norway or a control vaccine, with each dose given 2 months apart. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, prior to dose 3, and at 4 to 6 weeks after dose 3. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Immune response, defined as a 4-fold or greater rise in SBA titer 4 to 6 weeks after dose 3 compared with prevaccination titer. RESULTS Children and adult recipients of either meningococcal vaccine were more likely than controls to develop an immune response to the heterologous epidemic strain. After 3 doses of vaccine, 31% to 35% of children responded to the vaccine vs 5% to placebo; 37% to 60% of adults responded to vaccine vs 4% to placebo (P