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[Isolation of menincococci in Palermo during a course of seasonable recrudescence]
Abstract:
Three strains of Neisseria meningitidis were isolated from young patients during an outbreak of cerebrospinal fever in Palermo, fourteen from their family contacts. All strains from patients and ten of the strains from contacts fell into group C, two of the others into group B; two were untypable strains. All the strains belonging to group C exhibited sensitivity to sulphonamides and to other antibiotics tested. Strains of group B appeared resistant to sulphonamides and to combined trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole; they were also slightly resistant to streptomycin and tetracyclines.
Insights
During a cerebrospinal fever outbreak, Neisseria meningitidis group C strains were sensitive to antibiotics. Group B strains showed resistance to common treatments, including sulphonamides and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cerebrospinal fever outbreaks pose significant public health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- Neisseria meningitidis is a primary causative agent of bacterial meningitis.
- Understanding antimicrobial resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Neisseria meningitidis strains isolated during a cerebrospinal fever outbreak.
- To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of these meningococcal strains.
- To inform treatment guidelines based on resistance patterns.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and serogrouping of Neisseria meningitidis from patients and contacts.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using standard antibiotic panels.
- Phenotypic characterization of antibiotic resistance.
Main Results:
- Three Neisseria meningitidis strains were isolated from patients and fourteen from contacts.
- Most strains belonged to group C (sensitive to sulphonamides and antibiotics), while group B strains showed resistance.
- Group B strains were resistant to sulphonamides, trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, streptomycin, and tetracyclines.
Conclusions:
- Neisseria meningitidis group C strains demonstrated susceptibility to common antibiotics during the outbreak.
- Emergence of sulphonamide and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole resistance in group B strains necessitates careful antibiotic selection.
- Monitoring antimicrobial resistance is vital for managing meningococcal disease outbreaks.