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Infections by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X in Spain

C M del Castillo1, J A Vázquez, J Romero

  • 1Department of Microbiology, H.U. Virgen Macarena, Seville, Spain.

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|November 18, 2003
PubMed

Insights

This study reports a rare case of bacteremia caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X in Spain. It highlights the potential emergence of unusual meningococcal serogroups post-vaccination.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis is a significant cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis.
  • Serogroup X meningococcal infections are historically rare in Spain.
  • Recent conjugate vaccine implementation necessitates monitoring for serogroup shifts.

Observation:

  • An atypical case of bacteremia due to N. meningitidis serogroup X was identified.
  • The specific isolate belonged to sequence type 2139.
  • This sequence type is distinct from the clonal complex recently reported in Africa.

Findings:

  • N. meningitidis serogroup X bacteremia represents an unusual clinical presentation.
  • The identified ST-2139 is not epidemiologically linked to the African clonal complex.
  • Only six cases of serogroup X N. meningitidis have been diagnosed in Spain since 1984.

Implications:

  • Post-conjugate vaccine, vigilance for infections caused by non-vaccine serogroups is crucial.
  • Emergence of N. meningitidis serogroup X warrants further epidemiological surveillance.
  • Understanding serogroup dynamics is vital for effective meningococcal disease control strategies.

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