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09:11
Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination
Published on: September 25, 2014
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Australian Meningococcal Surveillance Programme Annual Report, 2023.
Monica M Lahra1,2, C R Robert George3, Sebastiaan van Hal4,5
1World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for STI and AMR, Sydney and Neisseria Reference Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, NSW Health Pathology, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, 2031, NSW Australia.
Communicable Diseases Intelligence (2018)
|December 17, 2024
Summary
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) notifications rose 14% in Australia in 2023, primarily driven by serogroup B. Most cases occurred in young children and adolescents, with emerging resistance noted in some strains.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a significant public health concern in Australia.
- Surveillance of IMD is crucial for understanding disease trends and informing prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the epidemiology and laboratory characteristics of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Australia for 2023.
- To identify dominant serogroups, genetic profiles, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of probable and laboratory-confirmed IMD cases reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS).
- Laboratory confirmation using bacterial culture and nucleic acid amplification testing.
- Serogroup determination, fine typing (porA, MLST), and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Main Results:
- A 14% increase in IMD notifications in 2023 compared to 2022, totaling 143 cases.
- Serogroup B (MenB) was predominant (84%), followed by MenW (8%) and MenY (8%). No MenC cases were reported.
- Highest incidence in children under 5 and adolescents (15-24 years), with MenB dominating both groups. Adults also represented a significant proportion of cases.
- Penicillin resistance was observed in 9% of isolates, with 71% showing intermediate susceptibility. All isolates remained susceptible to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and rifampicin.
Conclusions:
- Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) remains a concern in Australia, with a notable increase in 2023.
- Serogroup B continues to be the primary cause of IMD across all age groups.
- Antimicrobial resistance patterns require ongoing monitoring, particularly for penicillin.
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