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Neisseria meningitidis ST-11 clonal complex, Chile 2012
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|January 28, 2015
Summary
Invasive meningococcal disease in Chile was primarily caused by Serogroup W Neisseria meningitidis in 2012. A hypervirulent strain, W:P1.5,2:ST-11, with a specific fHbp gene allele, was identified, leading to increased fatalities.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a significant cause of bacterial meningitis.
- Serogroup W strains have emerged as a public health concern globally.
Observation:
- In 2012, Serogroup W Neisseria meningitidis predominated invasive meningococcal disease cases in Chile.
- A higher case-fatality rate was observed compared to previous years.
Findings:
- Genotyping identified a hypervirulent lineage, W:P1.5,2:ST-11.
- This lineage harbored allele 22 of the fHbp gene.
Implications:
- Understanding the genetic characteristics of dominant strains is crucial for disease control.
- The identified hypervirulent strain may necessitate updated vaccination or treatment strategies.
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