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Antimicrobial susceptibility of penicillin-sensitive and penicillin-resistant meningococci
F J Abadi1, D E Yakubu, T H Pennington
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Aberdeen Medical School, Foresterhill, UK.
Abstract:
Ceftriaxone showed high in-vitro activity against 119 penicillin-sensitive, penicillin-resistant and rifampicin-resistant UK isolates of meningococci. Unlike ciprofloxacin and minocycline, ceftriaxone is suitable for use in young children or in pregnancy and should be considered for therapy or prophylaxis in an outbreak of meningococcal disease. The E test gave results comparable to those given by broth microdilution method in the determination of meningococcal susceptibility to antimicrobials. It is convenient for use in small laboratories and can be used to determine antimicrobial subgroups of meningococci.
Insights
Ceftriaxone demonstrates potent in-vitro activity against meningococci, offering a safe treatment option for children and pregnant individuals during outbreaks. The E test provides reliable antimicrobial susceptibility results.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis (meningococci) causes invasive diseases.
- Antimicrobial resistance in meningococci poses a public health challenge.
- Treatment options need to be safe for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in-vitro activity of ceftriaxone against UK meningococcal isolates.
- To compare ceftriaxone with other antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and minocycline.
- To assess the utility of the E test for determining meningococcal antimicrobial susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- In-vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 119 meningococcal isolates.
- Comparison of E test with broth microdilution method.
- Evaluation of ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline.
Main Results:
- Ceftriaxone exhibited high in-vitro activity against all tested meningococcal strains, including resistant ones.
- Ceftriaxone is a safer alternative to ciprofloxacin and minocycline for specific populations.
- The E test yielded results comparable to broth microdilution, proving convenient for smaller labs.
Conclusions:
- Ceftriaxone is a highly effective and safe option for treating and preventing meningococcal disease, especially in vulnerable groups.
- The E test is a reliable and practical method for routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing of meningococci.
- Continued surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is crucial for effective meningococcal disease management.