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Molecular epidemiology of serogroup a meningitis in Moscow, 1969 to 1997

M Achtman1, A van der Ende, P Zhu

  • 1Max-Planck Institut für Molekulare Genetik, Berlin, Germany. achtman@mpiib-berlin.mpg.de

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|June 1, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Molecular analysis revealed four clonal groupings of Neisseria meningitidis caused successive waves of disease in Moscow. Recent strains may signal wider European spread of this meningococcal bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A has caused significant meningococcal disease outbreaks globally.
  • Understanding the molecular epidemiology of meningococcal strains is crucial for predicting and controlling disease spread.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clonal evolution and genetic diversity of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A strains circulating in Moscow between 1969 and 1997.
  • To identify the specific clonal groupings responsible for successive waves of meningococcal disease in the region.

Main Methods:

  • Molecular analysis of 103 Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A isolates.
  • Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis to determine clonal relationships and origins.

Main Results:

  • Four distinct clonal groupings were identified as responsible for meningococcal disease waves in Moscow.
  • Genocloud 2 of subgroup III (possibly imported from China) caused the 1969-mid-1970s epidemic.
  • Subgroups X and VI caused subsequent endemic disease, while genocloud 8 of subgroup III, linked to Asian pandemic strains, caused a 1996 epidemic.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights the dynamic nature of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A clonal replacement in Moscow.
  • Recent genocloud 8 epidemic strains may indicate an emerging threat for wider European spread.

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