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Neisseria meningitidis sequence type and risk for death, Iceland

Magnús Gottfredsson1, Mathew A Diggle, David I Lawrie

  • 1Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland. magnusgo@landspitali.is

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|July 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Invasive meningococcal disease strains in Iceland show unique evolutionary trends. Infection with unique sequence types (STs) and older age were linked to higher mortality rates in this isolated population.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Invasive meningococcal infections (IMIs) are a significant public health concern, particularly in isolated populations.
  • Iceland has a history of hyperendemic IMIs, making it a unique setting for studying disease evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the evolutionary trends of meningococcal isolates in Iceland from 1977 to 2004.
  • To investigate the association of patient demographics, serogroups, and sequence types (STs) with IMI outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Nationwide study of 362 viable meningococcal strains collected between 1977 and 2004.
  • Analysis of patient age, sex, meningococcal serogroups, and sequence types (STs).
  • Statistical association analysis between isolate characteristics and patient outcomes, including mortality.

Main Results:

  • 59 different STs were identified, with 19 unique to Iceland; ST-32, ST-11, and ST-10 were most common.
  • Serogroups B and C accounted for the majority of infections (56.4% and 39.8%, respectively).
  • Older age and infection with a unique ST were independently associated with increased mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Meningococcal isolates in Iceland exhibit distinct evolutionary patterns, including the emergence of unique STs.
  • Unique STs are associated with poorer patient outcomes, highlighting their potential clinical significance.
  • Understanding these trends is crucial for public health strategies in isolated communities.

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