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[Genotypes of Neisseria meningitidis strains isolated from patients in the Czech Republic]
P Kuzemenská1, D A Caugant, L O Frøholm
1Státní zdravotní ústav, Praha.
Abstract:
A group of 75 strains of Neisseria meningitidis isolated from patients with meningococcal meningitis in the Czech Republic during 1980-1988 was characterized by assessment of serogroups, serotypes, serosubtypes and genotypes. Twelve strains belonged into serogroup A, 27 into serogroup B and 36 into serogroup C. The most frequently found serotype was 4, subserotype P1.2. The authors identified 48 different enzyme genotypes among which four genetically related groups were assessed. Strains of Neisseria meningitidis of the same genotype were found more frequently during the period of 1980-1984, when a rise of meningococcal meningitis in the Czech Republic was recorded. During this period 73% of the strains belonged into three genetically related groups, while during the subsequent period (1985-1988) these genetically related groups comprised only 47% of the strains. Only one strain of Neisseria meningitidis (878/85) represented a genetic clone ET-5 complex responsible for an epidemic of meningococcal meningitis in western European countries from the mid-seventies.
Insights
This study analyzed 75 Neisseria meningitidis strains from Czech meningitis cases (1980-1988). Genotyping revealed shifts in dominant bacterial strains correlating with meningitis incidence, indicating evolving epidemiology.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis causes meningococcal meningitis, a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and evolution of N. meningitidis strains is crucial for effective disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Neisseria meningitidis strains isolated from Czech patients with meningococcal meningitis between 1980 and 1988.
- To investigate the relationship between bacterial genotypes and the epidemiology of meningococcal meningitis in the Czech Republic during the study period.
Main Methods:
- Serogroup, serotype, serosubtype, and enzyme genotype analysis of 75 N. meningitidis isolates.
- Epidemiological data correlation with genotypic findings.
Main Results:
- Serogroup B and C strains were most prevalent.
- Forty-eight distinct enzyme genotypes were identified, with four main genetically related groups.
- A higher proportion of strains belonged to three genetically related groups during the 1980-1984 period of increased meningitis incidence.
- One strain was identified as belonging to the ET-5 complex, known for causing epidemics in Western Europe.
Conclusions:
- Genotypic shifts in N. meningitidis populations were observed in the Czech Republic during 1980-1988.
- The findings suggest a dynamic evolution of meningococcal strains, potentially influencing meningitis epidemiology.
- Continued molecular surveillance is essential for tracking N. meningitidis evolution and guiding public health interventions.