Effectiveness of MenB-4C vaccine against gonorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Introduction:
There is no licensed vaccine against gonorrhea but Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B outer membrane vesicle-based vaccines, like MenB-4C, may offer cross-protection against gonorrhea. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized the published literature on MenB-4C vaccine effectiveness against gonorrhea.
Methods:
We conducted a literature search of electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase, Global Health, Scopus, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library) to identify peer-reviewed papers, published in English, from 1/1/2013–7/12/2024 that reported MenB-4C vaccine effectiveness estimates against gonorrhea and gonorrhea/chlamydia co-infection, and the duration of MenB-4C vaccine-induced protection. We estimated pooled MenB-4C vaccine effectiveness (≥1 dose) against gonorrhea using the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model.
Results:
Eight papers met our eligibility criteria. Receipt of ≥1 dose of MenB-4C vaccine was 23%–47% effective against gonorrhea. Two doses of MenB-4C vaccine were 33–40% effective against gonorrhea and one dose of MenB-4C vaccine was 26% effective. MenB-4C vaccine effectiveness against gonorrhea/chlamydia co-infection was mixed with two studies reporting effectiveness estimates of 32% and 44%, and two other studies showing no protective effect. MenB-4C vaccine effectiveness against gonorrhea was comparable in people living with HIV (44%) and people not living with HIV (23%–47%). Pooled MenB-4C vaccine effectiveness (≥1 dose) against gonorrhea was 32.4%. One study concluded that MenB-4C vaccine effectiveness against gonorrhea may wane approximately 36 months post-vaccination.
Conclusion:
MenB-4C vaccine is moderately effective against gonorrhea in various populations. Prospective clinical trials that assess the efficacy of MenB-4C against gonorrhea, gonorrhea/chlamydia co-infection, and duration of protection are warranted to strengthen this evidence.
Authors
Abara WE, Kirkcaldy RD, Bernstein KT, Galloway E, Learner ER
Year
2025
Topics
- Population(s)
- General HIV+ population
- General HIV- population
- Prevention, Engagement and Care Cascade
- Prevention
- Prevention
- Biomedical interventions
- Co-infections
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
