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[Typing and sensitivity of meningococci isolated in Switzerland 1988-1990]
P Rohner1, B Pepey, B Hirschel
1Laboratoire central de bactériologie, Hôpital cantonal universitaire de Genève.
Abstract:
Since 1906 severe infections due to Neisseria meningitidis have been reported in Switzerland. The clinical application of antimicrobial agents reduced the mortality rate due to meningococcal infections from 82% before 1939 to 22% after 1942. However, the annual incidence remained at about 1.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. During the years 1988 to 1990, 177 strains isolated in Switzerland have been typed with a dot ELISA using 15 different monoclonal antibodies. The distribution of serogroups was as follows: A (0.6%), B (70.6%), C (22.6%), and W135 (0.6%), while 5.6% could not be assigned to a serogroup. The most common associations of serogroup, serotype and subtype were: B:15:P1.16 (15.3%), B:4:P1.15 (13.6%), and C:2a:P1.2 (9.0%). The susceptibility of 174 strains was determined by an agar-dilution procedure. All strains were susceptible to cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, minocycline and spiramycin. One strain showed reduced sensitivity to penicillin (MIC = 0.25 mg/l), while another strain was resistant to rifampicin, 3% were resistant of erythromycin and 75% to sulfadiazine.
Insights
Meningococcal infections in Switzerland are primarily caused by serogroup B strains. While most strains remain susceptible to key antibiotics, resistance to rifampicin and sulfadiazine is notable.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis has caused severe infections in Switzerland since 1906.
- Antimicrobial therapy significantly reduced mortality rates but did not decrease incidence.
- Annual incidence remained stable at approximately 1.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize meningococcal strains circulating in Switzerland between 1988 and 1990.
- To determine the serogroup, serotype, and subtype distribution.
- To assess antibiotic susceptibility patterns of these strains.
Main Methods:
- Dot ELISA with 15 monoclonal antibodies for strain typing.
- Agar-dilution method for antibiotic susceptibility testing.
- Analysis of 177 Neisseria meningitidis isolates from Switzerland.
Main Results:
- Serogroup B was predominant (70.6%), followed by C (22.6%).
- Key serotype/subtype associations included B:15:P1.16 and B:4:P1.15.
- All strains were susceptible to cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, minocycline, and spiramycin.
Conclusions:
- Serogroup B strains are the primary cause of meningococcal infections in Switzerland.
- While most strains show good antibiotic susceptibility, resistance to sulfadiazine and rifampicin was observed.
- Continued surveillance of meningococcal epidemiology and antibiotic resistance is crucial.