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[Meningococcus profilaxis (author's transl)]
Abstract:
In a General Hospital in San Sebastian, 96 cases of Neisseria meningitidis infections were detected in a two years period. By the use of the disk diffusion method, we found that all causative meningococcal strains but 4 were resistant to sulfonamide (with a 300 microgram sulfadiazine disk, all isolates with a zone diameter of less than 20 mm were considered to be resistant of sulfadiazine, whereas those with zone diameters of greater than 30 mm were considered susceptible). No rifampin nor minocycline-resistant meningococci were isolated. All strains had a disk zone diameter (30 micrograms rifampin and 30 micrograms tetracycline) of greater than 20 mm. The serogroups of meningococcal strains were as follows: group A, 1; group B, 67; group C, 5 and 23 were no typed. Children less than four years of age were most frequently attacked (67,7%). The attack rate was only slightly higher in males than in females (52 and 44).
Insights
Most Neisseria meningitidis infections in San Sebastian were resistant to sulfonamide. However, no strains showed resistance to rifampin or minocycline, with children under four most affected.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a significant cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis worldwide.
- Antibiotic resistance in Neisseria meningitidis poses a growing public health concern.
- Understanding local resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Neisseria meningitidis isolates.
- To identify the predominant serogroups and demographic distribution of meningococcal infections.
- To assess resistance to sulfonamide, rifampin, and minocycline.
Main Methods:
- Disk diffusion method was employed to determine antibiotic susceptibility.
- Susceptibility testing was performed using specific disk concentrations for sulfadiazine, rifampin, and tetracycline (minocycline).
- Serogrouping and demographic data were collected for all identified cases.
Main Results:
- Out of 96 Neisseria meningitidis cases, a high prevalence of sulfonamide resistance was observed (all but 4 strains).
- No resistance was detected against rifampin or minocycline among the isolated strains.
- Serogroup B was the most common (67 isolates), followed by serogroup C (5 isolates) and serogroup A (1 isolate); 23 strains were not typed.
- Children under four years old represented the most affected age group (67.7%).
- The attack rate was slightly higher in males (52) than in females (44).
Conclusions:
- Sulfonamide resistance is widespread in Neisseria meningitidis in San Sebastian.
- Rifampin and minocycline remain effective treatment options against circulating meningococcal strains.
- Targeted surveillance and antibiotic stewardship are essential to monitor and manage antimicrobial resistance.