Related Experiment Videos
Disease due to serogroup W135 Neisseria meningitidis
Abstract:
Five cases of disseminated meningococcal disease due to serogroup W135 Neisseria meningitidis are presented. The cases ranged in age from 16 months to 23 years, and spanned a clinical spectrum from mild meningitis without rash or evidence of meningococcal septicemia to severe meningoencephalitis with fulminant meningococcemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and death. These cases demonstrate that serogroup W135 N meningitidis is fully pathogenic for man and capable of producing the full spectrum of disseminated meningococcal disease associated with other serogroups. Since this serogroup has recently emerged as a significant cause of disease in Europe, attention should be focused on the correct serogroup designation of strains of N meningitidis isolated from clinical material and reported as "nongroupable" by clinical laboratories, so that additional clinical and epidemiologic information may be obtained.
Insights
Disseminated meningococcal disease caused by serogroup W135 Neisseria meningitidis can be severe, leading to meningitis or fatal meningococcemia. Accurate identification of this pathogen is crucial for understanding its epidemiology.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis.
- Serogroup W135 has emerged as a significant cause of invasive meningococcal disease in Europe.
Observation:
- Presents five cases of disseminated meningococcal disease caused by serogroup W135 Neisseria meningitidis.
- Cases varied in age (16 months to 23 years) and clinical severity, from mild meningitis to fatal meningoencephalitis.
- Clinical presentations included meningitis, meningococcemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and death.
Findings:
- Serogroup W135 Neisseria meningitidis is fully pathogenic in humans.
- This serogroup can cause the full spectrum of disseminated meningococcal disease.
- Clinical laboratories must accurately designate the serogroup of N. meningitidis isolates.
Implications:
- Accurate serogrouping of N. meningitidis is essential for effective disease surveillance and control.
- Increased focus on identifying W135 strains, even those initially reported as 'nongroupable', is needed.
- Further clinical and epidemiological data collection on W135 infections is vital.