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Carriage of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135 ST-2881

Pascal Boisier1, Pierre Nicolas, Saacou Djibo

  • 1Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire, Niamey, Niger. pascal.boisier@cermes.ne

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|November 1, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A meningococcal meningitis outbreak in Niger was linked to the W135 ST-2881 strain. Researchers found persistent carriage of this strain and changes in antibody levels among healthy individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, particularly ST-2881, emerged as a cause of meningitis outbreaks globally.
  • The 2003 outbreak in Niger highlighted the need to understand meningococcal carriage dynamics in affected communities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and persistence of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135 ST-2881 carriage in healthy individuals following a meningitis cluster.
  • To examine the relationship between meningococcal carriage status and serum bactericidal antibody activity.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional carriage surveys were conducted in villages in Niger after a meningitis outbreak.
  • Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected to identify meningococcal strains, with a focus on serogroup W135 ST-2881.
  • Serum bactericidal antibody activity was measured in a subset of participants.

Main Results:

  • Of 80 healthy individuals surveyed, 35% carried meningococci.
  • Twenty of 21 W135 strains identified were ST-2881, confirming its role in the outbreak.
  • Five individuals previously identified as carriers were still carrying W135 ST-2881 strains ten months later.
  • Serum bactericidal antibody activity showed variations correlating with carrier status.

Conclusions:

  • The ST-2881 strain of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135 demonstrated significant carriage prevalence and persistence in the Nigerien population post-outbreak.
  • Findings suggest a potential for prolonged carriage and highlight the importance of monitoring antibody responses in relation to meningococcal carrier status.

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