Meningococcal meningitis.

Meningococci continue to cause outbreaks of disease throughout the world. The UK is currently experiencing an upsurge due to organisms of groups B and C. There is substantial under-reporting of meningococcal disease, only meningitis currently being notifiable. All significant meningococcal strains should be typed by a reference laboratory. New approaches to vaccine development permit cautious optimism for the future.