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Genomic Surveillance of Invasive Meningococcal Disease During a National MenW Outbreak in Australia, 2017-2018

Emily Sotheran1,2, Courtney R Lane1,2, Kristy Horan1,2

  • 1Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|June 10, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Whole genome sequencing revealed genetic diversity in Australian invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) isolates. Clonal complexes CC11, CC23, and CC41/44 dominated, with CC11 showing diversification in Australia.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) incidence rose in Australia from 2014-2017.
  • This increase was driven by serogroup W (MenW) and MenY infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the genetic diversity of Australian IMD isolates.
  • To understand the evolution of specific clonal complexes, particularly CC11.

Main Methods:

  • Whole genome sequencing of 440 Australian IMD isolates (2017-2018).
  • Phylogenetic analysis of Australian and 1737 international MenW:CC11 isolates (1974-2020).
  • Single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis to determine genetic relatedness.

Main Results:

  • MenW, MenB, and MenY were the predominant serogroups in Australian isolates.
  • Three clonal complexes (CC11, CC23, CC41/44) comprised 78% of isolates.
  • CC11 predominated in MenW and MenC, CC23 in MenY, and CC41/44 in MenB.
  • MenB isolates showed high diversity, while MenW and MenC isolates had low diversity.
  • Genomic clusters were identified, and MenW diversification was observed in Australia.

Conclusions:

  • Whole genome sequencing effectively characterized Australian IMD isolates.
  • Genetic variability and within-clonal complex resolution were enhanced.
  • The evolution of CC11 in Australia was elucidated.
Keywords:
Neisseria meningitidisgenomic epidemiologymeningococcal diseasepathogen genomicspublic health

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