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Predominant enteroviral serotypes causing meningitis
P J Atkinson1, M Sharland, H Maguire
1Public Health Laboratory Service, Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (Thames), London.
Abstract:
All enteroviral reports to the Public Health Laboratory Service from 1975 to 1994 which had been proved by culture were analysed. Of the 40,366 isolates, 5741 reports (14%) were from cultures of cerebrospinal fluid. The groups and serotypes accounting for the largest number of cerebrospinal fluid isolates were A9, E7, E9, E11, E19, and E30, accounting for 70% of all cultured isolates of cerebrospinal fluid. It may be possible to prevent most cases of viral meningitis in the UK with the development of an enteroviral vaccine.
Insights
Enteroviruses are a common cause of viral meningitis. Analysis of UK laboratory data identified key enterovirus serotypes responsible for cerebrospinal fluid infections, suggesting a potential target for vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Enteroviruses are a significant cause of viral meningitis.
- Accurate identification of causative serotypes is crucial for public health surveillance and vaccine development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze enteroviral isolates from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the UK between 1975 and 1994.
- To identify the most prevalent enterovirus serotypes causing meningitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of enteroviral reports submitted to the Public Health Laboratory Service.
- Data included isolates confirmed by culture from CSF samples.
Main Results:
- Over 40,000 enteroviral isolates were analyzed, with 5,741 (14%) from CSF cultures.
- Serotypes A9, E7, E9, E11, E19, and E30 accounted for 70% of CSF isolates.
- These findings highlight specific serotypes as major contributors to enteroviral meningitis.
Conclusions:
- A limited number of enterovirus serotypes are responsible for the majority of viral meningitis cases in the UK.
- Development of an enteroviral vaccine targeting these prevalent serotypes could significantly reduce the burden of viral meningitis.