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[Neisseria meningitidis: serogroup Y. Apropos of 38 cases]
D Le Bastard1, J Y Riou, H Konczaty
1Unité d'Ecologie Bactérienne, Institut Pasteur, PARIS, France.
Abstract:
Thirty-eight cases of infections due to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y have been studied. They correspond to the strains sent to the Laboratory (Centre National de Référence since 1987). Their repartition was: meningitidis 9 cases, purpura fulminans (6), septicaemia (5), respiratory syndroms (11), asymptomatic carriage (4), various (3). Patients were 4 months to 86 years old. Mortality was 13.2%. One third or meningitis or meningococcemia happened in correlation with complement deficiency or splenectomy. In most of cases bacterial diagnosis was made by general laboratories but only in two cases over 38 the serogrouping Y was made.
Insights
Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y infections, including meningitis and sepsis, were studied in 38 cases. Diagnosis and serogrouping challenges were noted, with a 13.2% mortality rate observed.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a significant cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis worldwide.
- Serogroup Y strains are increasingly recognized as an important cause of invasive meningococcal disease.
- Understanding the clinical spectrum and diagnostic challenges of serogroup Y infections is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y infections.
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of general laboratories in identifying serogroup Y meningococcal disease.
- To identify risk factors associated with severe outcomes in serogroup Y infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis of 38 Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y isolates.
- Review of clinical data including patient demographics, clinical presentations, and outcomes.
- Analysis of diagnostic methods used by referring laboratories.
Main Results:
- The study included 38 cases with diverse presentations: meningitis (9), purpura fulminans (6), septicemia (5), respiratory syndromes (11), and asymptomatic carriage (4).
- Patients ranged from 4 months to 86 years old, with an overall mortality rate of 13.2%.
- Approximately one-third of meningitis and meningococcemia cases were associated with complement deficiency or splenectomy. Diagnostic serogrouping was performed in only 2 out of 38 cases.
Conclusions:
- Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y can cause a wide range of invasive diseases with significant mortality.
- Complement deficiency and splenectomy are important risk factors for severe meningococcal disease.
- There is a need to improve diagnostic capabilities for serogrouping Y strains in clinical laboratories to facilitate timely and appropriate management.