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Annual report of the Australian Meningococcal Surveillance Programme 1996
Abstract:
The Australian Meningococcal Surveillance Programme has undertaken meningococcal isolate surveillance by means of a collaborative laboratory-based initiative since 1994. Serogroup data have been enhanced by the addition of serotype and serosubtype information in 1996. Ninety-two per cent of the 297 invasive isolates of Neisseria meningitidis examined in 1996 were serogroup B or C. Serogroup B strains predominated in all States and Territories and were isolated from sporadic cases of meningococcal disease. Serogroup C isolates were prominent in New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory, and were also associated with mainly sporadic cases of meningococcal disease. A number of case clusters also occurred in association with serogroup C strains. Although most sporadic cases of meningococcal disease showed a diversity of phenotypes, clusters of cases were noted with the phenotypes C:2a:P1.5 and C:2a:P1.2,5. The number of isolates with the phenotype B:4:P1.4 also increased in New South Wales and Queensland. The proportion of isolates showing decreased susceptibility to the penicillin group of antibiotics (minimal inhibitory concentration, MIC, 0.06 to 0.5 mg/L) increased to 74% in 1996. Three isolates showed reduced susceptibility to rifampicin.
Insights
Invasive meningococcal disease surveillance in Australia showed serogroup B and C strains predominated in 1996. Antimicrobial resistance, particularly to penicillin, increased among Neisseria meningitidis isolates.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The Australian Meningococcal Surveillance Programme has monitored meningococcal isolates since 1994.
- Serogroup, serotype, and serosubtype data enhance understanding of Neisseria meningitidis epidemiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics of invasive Neisseria meningitidis isolates in Australia during 1996.
- To track trends in antimicrobial susceptibility of meningococcal isolates.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory-based surveillance of invasive Neisseria meningitidis isolates.
- Serogroup, serotype, and serosubtype characterization of isolates.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, including penicillin and rifampicin.
Main Results:
- Serogroup B and C strains accounted for 92% of 297 invasive isolates in 1996.
- Serogroup B predominated nationally, while serogroup C was prominent in specific states and associated with case clusters.
- A significant increase in decreased susceptibility to penicillin (74%) and reduced susceptibility to rifampicin was observed.
Conclusions:
- Serogroup B and C remain the primary causes of invasive meningococcal disease in Australia.
- Increasing penicillin resistance is a concern, necessitating ongoing surveillance and potential treatment guideline adjustments.
- Specific serogroup C and B phenotypes were associated with disease clusters and increasing prevalence, respectively.