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Acquisition of Beta-Lactamase by Neisseria meningitidis through Possible Horizontal Gene Transfer

Eva Hong1, Ala-Eddine Deghmane1, Muhamed-Kheir Taha2

  • 1Invasive Bacterial Infection and National Reference Centre for Meningococci, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|June 27, 2018
PubMed

Insights

A beta-lactamase-producing invasive meningococcal isolate was found in France. This finding is concerning due to potential treatment challenges for meningococcal disease.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a serious infection caused by *Neisseria meningitidis*.
  • Beta-lactamase production is rare in meningococci, with limited reports in over two decades.
  • Antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens poses a significant global health threat.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first detection of a beta-lactamase-producing invasive meningococcal isolate in France.
  • To investigate the genetic basis of beta-lactamase production in this isolate.
  • To assess the potential implications for treating invasive meningococcal disease.

Main Methods:

  • Detection and isolation of *Neisseria meningitidis* from a clinical sample.
  • Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify antimicrobial resistance genes.
  • Bioinformatic analysis to characterize the identified beta-lactamase gene and its origin.

Main Results:

  • A beta-lactamase-producing invasive meningococcal isolate was identified in France.
  • Whole-genome sequencing revealed the presence of a ROB-1-type beta-lactamase gene.
  • The ROB-1 gene is commonly found in *Haemophilus influenzae*, suggesting horizontal gene transfer.

Conclusions:

  • The emergence of beta-lactamase-producing meningococci is a significant public health concern.
  • Horizontal gene transfer may be responsible for the acquisition of beta-lactamase genes by meningococci.
  • This finding highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and potential adaptation of treatment strategies for IMD.
Keywords:
Neisseria meningitidisbeta-lactamases

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