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[Epidemiologic markers of Neisseria (author's transl)]
Abstract:
The world-wide increase of gonococcal infections and meningococcal infections should incite to face up all necessary means of checking which can be actually envisaged against these diseases. The major phenomenon regarding gonococcal infections is the appearance, since 1976, of plasmidic resistance by a beta-lactamase secretion. Two different types of strains have been described: one originating from West-Africa, the other one from South-East Asia (that latter presenting a conjugating plasmid to totalizing 24,5 M-daltons involving coding plasmid for beta-lactamase). Among approximately thirty strains isolated in France, these ones appear to be equally shared out between these two types, following the results of our actual studies. Catlin's auxotype, which has been used in France and in some African countries (study in progress) tends to confirm the previous studies: auxotypes variations according to clinical forms an geographical distribution of strains. The other markers described in the literature are debated. As to meningococcus serogoups that we have carried out, they show a distribution well known in France, i.e. group B is largely predominating, groups A and C coming afterwards. It should be noted the appearance of some cases caused by groups Y and W135. The first results obtained thanks to serotyping, according to Frasch's technique appear to show a majority of type 2 or 2-associated in cases of diseases as other authors have proved.
Insights
Increased gonococcal and meningococcal infections necessitate new control methods. Gonococcal strains show plasmid-mediated beta-lactamase resistance, while meningococcal group B predominates in France, with emerging Y and W135 groups.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Global rise in gonococcal and meningococcal infections demands effective control strategies.
- Emergence of plasmid-mediated beta-lactamase resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae since 1976.
- Distinct geographical strains of resistant gonococci identified, including West African and Southeast Asian types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and distribution of gonococcal and meningococcal strains in France.
- To analyze antimicrobial resistance patterns in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- To determine the serogroup and serotype distribution of Neisseria meningitidis isolates.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of approximately thirty Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains from France.
- Auxotyping of gonococcal strains using Catlin's method.
- Serogrouping and serotyping of Neisseria meningitidis isolates using Frasch's technique.
Main Results:
- Gonococcal strains in France were equally divided between West African and Southeast Asian types.
- Auxotype variations correlated with clinical forms and geographical distribution.
- Neisseria meningitidis group B was predominant in France, followed by groups A and C, with notable occurrences of groups Y and W135.
- Serotyping of meningococcal isolates revealed a predominance of type 2 or type 2-associated strains.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight the importance of monitoring antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- Geographical and clinical factors influence gonococcal strain distribution and characteristics.
- Current serogroup distribution of Neisseria meningitidis in France aligns with known patterns, but vigilance for emerging groups is necessary.
- Serotyping provides valuable epidemiological data for Neisseria meningitidis infections.