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Characterization of meningitis-causing bacteria, with focus on genomic and pangenomic study of multi-drug resistant

Rehan Ali1, Kashif Ali1, Muhammad Aurongzeb2

  • 1Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST), Karachi, 75600, Pakistan.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek
|October 9, 2024
PubMed

Insights

This study identified multi-drug resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in meningitis patients in Karachi. The research highlights the need for better diagnostics and treatment strategies for bacterial meningitis in the region.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of meningitis, particularly in regions with low vaccination and high antibiotic resistance.
  • Meningitis diagnosis and characterization are crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detect Streptococcus pneumoniae in suspected meningitis cases in Karachi.
  • To perform whole-genome sequencing and pan-genome analysis of identified S. pneumoniae isolates.
  • To characterize antibiotic resistance patterns and genetic determinants in S. pneumoniae.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid parameters (physical, cytological, biochemical) in 83 suspected meningitis patients.
  • Latex particle agglutination (LPA), PCR, and culturing for bacterial meningitis detection.
  • Whole-genome sequencing, MLST, CARD analysis, and pan-genome analysis of S. pneumoniae isolates.

Main Results:

  • Twenty cases of bacterial meningitis were identified among 33 patients with indicative clinical parameters.
  • Five S. pneumoniae isolates were detected, with one exhibiting resistance to erythromycin, levofloxacin, and tetracycline.
  • Whole-genome sequencing revealed specific antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) including tet(M) and ermB, contributing to multi-drug resistance.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides critical insights into the prevalence and genomic characteristics of meningitis-causing S. pneumoniae in Karachi.
  • The identification of a multi-drug resistant strain underscores the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship.
  • Phylogenetic analysis suggests potential international dissemination pathways for S. pneumoniae strains.
Keywords:
Streptococcus pneumoniaeCSFMeningitisPakistanPan-genomicsWhole genome sequencing

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