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Hyperinvasive genotypes of Neisseria meningitidis in France

M L Zarantonelli1, M Lancellotti, A E Deghmane

  • 1Neisseria Unit, National Reference Centre for Meningococci, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|February 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Genetic diversity in Neisseria meningitidis lineages correlates with varied virulence. Homogeneous ST-11 clonal complex isolates showed increased virulence and fatal outcomes in meningococcal disease.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis causes meningococcal disease.
  • Understanding genetic diversity is crucial for predicting virulence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between genetic lineages of Neisseria meningitidis and their virulence.
  • To assess the impact of genetic diversity on disease outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of 546 clinical isolates.
  • Virulence testing in a mouse model.
  • Evaluation of proapoptotic effects on human epithelial cells.

Main Results:

  • High genetic diversity in ST-32 and ST-41/44 lineages correlated with heterogeneous virulence and cell effects.
  • Homogeneous ST-11 clonal complex isolates exhibited increased virulence, proapoptotic effects, and fatal outcomes, irrespective of serogroup.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic structure of Neisseria meningitidis influences virulence and disease severity.
  • Specific genetic lineages, like ST-11, pose a higher risk due to enhanced pathogenic potential.

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