Related Experiment Videos
The Stonehouse study: secretor status and carriage of Neisseria species
C C Blackwell1, D M Weir, V S James
1Department of Bacteriology, University of Edinburgh.
Abstract:
The genetically determined inability to secrete the water-soluble glycoprotein form of the ABO blood group antigens into saliva and other body fluids is a recognized risk factor for meningococcal disease. During a community-wide investigation of a prolonged outbreak of disease due to a B15:P1.16 sulphonamide-resistant strain of Neisseria meningitidis in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire (the Stonehouse survey), the ABO blood group and secretor status of almost 5000 residents was determined. The proportion of non-secretors in the Stonehouse population was significantly higher than the proportion of non-secretors among blood donors in the South West Region and in England generally. Seven of 13 Stonehouse residents with meningococcal disease who were tested were found to be non-secretors, a high proportion. The outbreak in Stonehouse cannot be explained solely in terms of the increased proportion of non-secretors. There was no clear correlation between the proportions of non-secretors in different areas within the town and the incidence of cases of meningococcal disease. Carriers of meningococci, whether outbreak or other strains, were not more likely to be non-secretors. The reasons why non-secretors are more susceptible to meningococcal disease remain to be determined, but they do not appear to be related to carriage of meningococci.
Insights
Individuals unable to secrete ABO blood group antigens (non-secretors) are at higher risk for meningococcal disease. A Stonehouse survey found a higher non-secretor prevalence, but this alone doesn't explain the outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- The inability to secrete ABO blood group antigens is a known risk factor for meningococcal disease.
- Neisseria meningitidis outbreaks pose significant public health challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of secretor status in a community outbreak of meningococcal disease.
- To determine the prevalence of non-secretors in the affected population.
Main Methods:
- Community-wide survey of nearly 5000 residents in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire.
- Determination of ABO blood group and secretor status.
- Analysis of meningococcal disease cases and carrier status in relation to secretor status.
Main Results:
- The Stonehouse population had a significantly higher proportion of non-secretors compared to regional and national blood donor populations.
- Seven of 13 meningococcal disease patients tested were non-secretors.
- The outbreak's incidence was not solely explained by non-secretor prevalence or distribution within the town.
- No increased likelihood of meningococcal carriage was found in non-secretors.
Conclusions:
- While non-secretor status is associated with increased susceptibility to meningococcal disease, it does not fully account for outbreak dynamics.
- The underlying mechanisms of non-secretor susceptibility require further investigation.
- Non-secretor status does not appear to be linked to increased meningococcal carriage.