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Serotype and sulphonamide sensitivity of meningococci isolated from 1966 to 1971
Abstract:
From 1966 to 1971, 298 cultures of meningococci from clinical material (cerebrospinal fluid or blood) were examined. Eighty-nine cultures were from the Manchester area and the remainder from other parts of England or Northern Ireland. Five per cent of strains were group A, 57% group B, and 31% group C; 6% were untypable. Eighteen strains (6%) had an MIC of 6.4 mug/ml or more of sodium sulphadiazine and 10 of these (3.5%) an MIC of 50 to 100 mug/ml. The incidence of sulphonamide resistance was higher in group A strains than in group B or group C strains.
Insights
This study examined 298 meningococcal cultures, finding 6% resistant to sodium sulphadiazine. Notably, group A meningococci exhibited higher sulphonamide resistance compared to groups B and C.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis (meningococci) are a significant cause of bacterial meningitis.
- Sulfonamides have historically been used for meningococcal prophylaxis and treatment.
- Monitoring antimicrobial resistance is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the susceptibility of clinical meningococcal isolates to sodium sulphadiazine.
- To determine the prevalence of sulfonamide resistance in meningococci during the study period.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 298 clinical isolates of Neisseria meningitidis collected between 1966 and 1971.
- Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of sodium sulphadiazine for each isolate.
- Serogrouping of isolates into A, B, C, and untypable categories.
Main Results:
- 57% of isolates were group B, 31% group C, 5% group A, and 6% untypable.
- 18 strains (6%) demonstrated reduced susceptibility (MIC ≥ 6.4 μg/ml) to sodium sulphadiazine.
- 10 strains (3.5%) showed high-level resistance (MIC 50–100 μg/ml).
- Sulfonamide resistance was more frequent in group A strains compared to groups B and C.
Conclusions:
- A concerning level of sulfonamide resistance was observed in meningococcal isolates.
- Group A meningococci presented a higher incidence of resistance.
- These findings highlight the need for ongoing surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria meningitidis.