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Australian Meningococcal Surveillance Programme annual report, 2014
Monica M Lahra1,2, Rodney P Enriquez1
1WHO Collaborating Centre for STD and Neisseria Reference Laboratory, Microbiology Department, South Eastern Area Laboratory Services, the Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales.
Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report
|August 15, 2016
Summary
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) surveillance in Australia showed a slight increase in 2014 but remained near historic lows. Serogroup B predominated, though W135 and Y are increasing, particularly in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a significant public health concern globally.
- Surveillance programs are crucial for monitoring disease trends and informing prevention strategies.
- The Australian Meningococcal Surveillance Programme has collected data since 1994.
Observation:
- In 2014, 165 laboratory-confirmed cases of IMD were reported in Australia, a rise from 2013 but the second lowest since 1994.
- Serogroup B was the most common cause (80.1%), followed by W135 (9.9%) and Y (8.1%).
- Disease peaks occurred in young children (≤4 years) and adolescents (15-19 years).
Findings:
- Serogroup B predominated across most age groups, but serogroups Y and W135 were more common in individuals aged 65 years and over.
- While the overall number of IMD cases decreased, the proportion caused by serogroups Y and W135 has increased.
- Molecular typing identified P1.7-2,4 and P1.22,14 as the most common porA genotypes. All isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin, with two resistant to rifampicin and 88% showing decreased penicillin susceptibility.
Implications:
- Continued surveillance is essential to track evolving serogroup distribution and antimicrobial resistance patterns.
- The increasing proportion of W135 and Y serogroups may necessitate adjustments in vaccination strategies.
- Understanding genotypic characteristics aids in tracking disease transmission and potential vaccine effectiveness.
