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Detection and Genogrouping of Noroviruses from Children's Stools By Taqman One-step RT-PCR
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Orogenital transmission of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C confirmed by genotyping techniques

E Urra1, M Alkorta, M Sota

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, Hospital of Cruces, Plaza de Cruces s/n, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain. eurra@hcru.osakidetza.net

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|December 16, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Neisseria meningitidis can cause urethritis in heterosexual individuals, likely through orogenital contact. This study confirms transmission by isolating the bacteria from a patient and their sexual partner, matching genetic profiles.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections

Background:

  • Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra, often caused by sexually transmitted infections.
  • Neisseria meningitidis typically causes meningitis but can be associated with other infections.
  • Orogenital transmission of Neisseria meningitidis causing urethritis is suspected but rarely confirmed.

Observation:

  • A case of urethritis caused by Neisseria meningitidis (serogroup C) in a heterosexual patient is presented.
  • The same Neisseria meningitidis strain was isolated from the patient's sexual partner's nasopharynx and endocervix.
  • Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed identical electrophoretic patterns between urethral and nasopharyngeal isolates.

Findings:

  • This study provides definitive evidence of Neisseria meningitidis transmission via orogenital contact.
  • Confirms a non-genital site (nasopharynx) as a reservoir for Neisseria meningitidis causing urethritis.
  • Demonstrates the utility of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis in confirming infectious disease transmission routes.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for Neisseria meningitidis to cause urethritis through sexual contact.
  • Suggests screening sexual partners of individuals with Neisseria meningitidis urethritis.
  • Emphasizes the importance of considering orogenital contact in the transmission of Neisseria meningitidis beyond meningitis.

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