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Molecular Approach for the Study of Penicillin Resistance In Neisseria meningitidis

L Arreaza1, J A Vázquez

  • 1Reference Laboratory for Meningococci, National Center for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain.

Methods in Molecular Medicine
|February 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium, is showing decreased susceptibility to penicillin. This trend, observed since 1964, indicates a growing challenge in treating infections caused by this pathogen.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis was historically highly susceptible to penicillin.
  • Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were typically below 0.06 μg/mL.
  • Reports of reduced penicillin susceptibility in meningococcal isolates emerged as early as 1964.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document the historical and current trends in penicillin susceptibility of Neisseria meningitidis.
  • To highlight the emergence and spread of reduced penicillin susceptibility in clinical isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical and contemporary studies on Neisseria meningitidis penicillin susceptibility.
  • Analysis of reported Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) from clinical and carrier isolates.

Main Results:

  • Initially, Neisseria meningitidis isolates exhibited very low MICs (≦ 0.06 μg/mL).
  • Decreased penicillin susceptibility (MICs 0.12–1 μg/mL) has been documented in isolates from asymptomatic carriers since 1964.
  • Subsequently, reduced susceptibility has been observed in clinical isolates globally.

Conclusions:

  • Penicillin susceptibility in Neisseria meningitidis is decreasing over time.
  • The rise in penicillin MICs necessitates ongoing surveillance and potential treatment strategy adjustments.

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