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Tzanakaki G, Cabrnochová H, Delić S, Draganescu A, Hilfanova A, Onozó B, Pokorn M, Skoczyńska A, Tešović G. Invasive meningococcal disease in South-Eastern European countries: Do we need to revise vaccination strategies? Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2301186. [PMID: 38173392 PMCID: PMC10773623 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2301186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is an acute life-threatening infection caused by the gram-negative bacterium, Neisseria meningitidis. Globally, there are approximately half a million cases of IMD each year, with incidence varying across geographical regions. Vaccination has proven to be successful against IMD, as part of controlling outbreaks, and when incorporated into national immunization programs. The South-Eastern Europe Meningococcal Advocacy Group (including representatives from Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Ukraine) was formed in order to discuss the potential challenges of IMD faced in the region. The incidence of IMD across Europe has been relatively low over the past decade; of the countries that came together for the South-Eastern Meningococcal Advocacy Group, the notification rates were lower than the European average for some country. The age distribution of IMD cases was highest in infants and children, and most countries also had a further peak in adolescents and young adults. Across the nine included countries between 2010 and 2020, the largest contributors to IMD were serogroups B and C; however, each individual country had distinct patterns for serogroup distribution. Along with the variations in epidemiology of IMD between the included countries, vaccination policies also differ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Tzanakaki
- Public Health Microbiology, National Meningitis Reference Laboratory, Laboratory for Surveillance of Infectious Diseases, Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Hana Cabrnochová
- Center of children vaccination in Thomayer University Hospital, and Department of Pediatrics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Anca Draganescu
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof.Dr.Matei Bals”, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anna Hilfanova
- Department of Pediatrics, Immunology, Infectious and Rare Diseases, European Medical School of the International European University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Beáta Onozó
- Pediatric Department of County Hospital, Miskolc, Hungary
| | - Marko Pokorn
- Division of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anna Skoczyńska
- National Reference Centre for Bacterial Meningitis, Department of Epidemiology and Clinical Microbiology, National Medicines Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Goran Tešović
- University of Zagreb, and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Zagreb, Croatia
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Maier L, Stein-Thoeringer C, Ley RE, Brötz-Oesterhelt H, Link H, Ziemert N, Wagner S, Peschel A. Integrating research on bacterial pathogens and commensals to fight infections-an ecological perspective. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2024; 5:100843. [PMID: 38608681 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(24)00049-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections is increasing, and development of new antibiotics has been deprioritised by the pharmaceutical industry. Interdisciplinary research approaches, based on the ecological principles of bacterial fitness, competition, and transmission, could open new avenues to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. Many facultative bacterial pathogens use human mucosal surfaces as their major reservoirs and induce infectious diseases to aid their lateral transmission to new host organisms under some pathological states of the microbiome and host. Beneficial bacterial commensals can outcompete specific pathogens, thereby lowering the capacity of the pathogens to spread and cause serious infections. Despite the clinical relevance, however, the understanding of commensal-pathogen interactions in their natural habitats remains poor. In this Personal View, we highlight directions to intensify research on the interactions between bacterial pathogens and commensals in the context of human microbiomes and host biology that can lead to the development of innovative and sustainable ways of preventing and treating infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Maier
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI), Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, partner site, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Stein-Thoeringer
- Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI), Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, partner site, Tübingen, Germany; Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ruth E Ley
- Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI), Tübingen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heike Brötz-Oesterhelt
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI), Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, partner site, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hannes Link
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nadine Ziemert
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI), Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, partner site, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Samuel Wagner
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI), Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, partner site, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Peschel
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI), Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, partner site, Tübingen, Germany.
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Díez-Domingo J, Simkó R, Icardi G, Chong CP, Zocchetti C, Syrkina O, Bchir S, Bertrand-Gerentes I. Immunogenicity and Safety of a Quadrivalent Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine Versus Nimenrix in Healthy Adolescents: A Randomized Phase IIIb Multicenter Study. Infect Dis Ther 2024; 13:1835-1859. [PMID: 38955966 PMCID: PMC11266330 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-024-01009-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many immunization programs in Europe recommend quadrivalent meningococcal vaccinations, which are often administered concomitantly with other vaccines. We compared the immune response of a tetanus toxoid conjugated quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (MenACYW-TT, MenQuadfi®) with another quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4-TT; Nimenrix®) when administered alone or concomitantly with Tdap-IPV and 9vHPV vaccines in adolescents. METHODS In this phase IIIb trial, healthy adolescents (MenC-naïve or MenC-primed before 2 years of age) from Spain, Italy, Hungary, and Singapore were randomized in a 3:3:2 ratio to receive either MenACYW-TT or MCV4-TT alone, or MenACYW-TT concomitantly with 9vHPV and Tdap-IPV. The primary objective was to demonstrate the non-inferiority of the seroprotection rate (human serum bactericidal assay [hSBA] titer ≥ 1:8) to serogroups A, C, W, and Y 30 days post-vaccination with a single dose of MenACYW-TT or MCV4-TT. Secondary objectives included describing hSBA titers for the four serogroups before and 1 month following vaccination and according to MenC priming status. RESULTS A total of 463 participants were enrolled (MenACYW-TT, n = 173; MCV4-TT, n = 173; MenACYW-TT/9vHPV/Tdap-IPV n = 117). Non-inferiority based on seroprotection was demonstrated for MenACYW-TT versus MCV4-TT for all serogroups. Immune responses were comparable whether MenACYW-TT was administered alone or concomitantly with Tdap-IPV and 9vHPV. Post-vaccination hSBA GMTs were higher in MenACYW-TT vs. MCV4-TT for serogroups C, Y, and W and comparable for serogroup A. The percentages of participants with an hSBA vaccine seroresponse were higher in MenACYW-TT vs. MCV4-TT for all serogroups. For serogroup C, higher GMTs were observed in both MenC-naïve or -primed participants vaccinated with MenACYW-TT vs. MCV4-TT. Seroprotection and seroresponse were higher in MenC-naïve participants vaccinated with MenACYW-TT vs. MCV4-TT and comparable in MenC-primed. The safety profiles were comparable between groups and no new safety concerns were identified. CONCLUSIONS These data support the concomitant administration of MenACYW-TT with 9vHPV and Tdap-IPV vaccines in adolescents. TRIAL REGISTRATIONS Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04490018; EudraCT: 2020-001665-37; WHO: U1111-1249-2973.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Díez-Domingo
- Vaccine Research Department, FISABIO, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Giancarlo Icardi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa-Hygiene Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chan Poh Chong
- Department of Paediatrics, KTP-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Céline Zocchetti
- Isabelle Betrand-Gerentes, Global Medical, Sanofi Vaccines, 14 Espa. Henry Vallée, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Olga Syrkina
- Patient Safety and Pharmacovigilance, Sanofi R&D, Cambridge, USA
| | - Siham Bchir
- Global Biostatistical Sciences, Sanofi Vaccines, Marcy L'Étoile, France
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Baskol Elik D, Yıldırım C, Akyol Seyhan D, Aytac Erdem H, Zeytinoglu A, Pullukcu H, Aydemir SS, Tasbakan M. Evaluation of antibody responses in healthcare workers before & after meningococcal vaccine and determination of meningococcal carriage rates. Vaccine 2024; 42:3961-3967. [PMID: 38719693 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The rates of nasopharyngeal meningococcal carriage in healthcare workers are unknown. Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for risk groups but healthcare workers are not included in risk groups for many countries. Herein, we aimed to investigate the nasopharyngeal meningococcal carriage rates, basal and after one dose of Men-ACWY-DT vaccine response on the 30th day by evaluating meningococcus IgG antibody levels and decolonization at month six after vaccination among the detected carriers. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were taken before vaccination to evaluate meningococcal carriage in healthcare workers. All participants received a single dose of Men-ACWY-DT vaccine. Serum samples were collected immediately before vaccination and again on day 30 post-vaccination. Antibodies in the stored sera were analyzed using the ELISA method. Participants who were determined to carry meningococci at the initial visit underwent another round of nasopharyngeal swab tests six months post-vaccination to check for decolonization. Between November 2020 and May 2021, we evaluated samples from 100 physicians [52 % females, 28.28 ± 4.45 (min: 24, max: 49)]. The majority of the physicians worked in the emergency department (45 %), followed by the infectious diseases clinic (14 %). Fifty-eight physicians had a history of at least one contact with a meningococcus-infected patient, and 53 (91.4 %) had used prophylactic antibiotics at least once due to this exposure. None of the study group nasopharyngeal swab cultures were positive for Neisseria meningitidis. Before the Men-ACWY-DT vaccine, anti-meningococcus IgG positivity was detected in the serum samples of only 3 (3 %) participants. By day 30 after vaccination, 48 % of participants showed positive for antibodies. As we didn't detect nasopharyngeal carriage in any participants, we didn't evaluate decolonization among carriers six months post-vaccination. Notably, detection of antibodies was evident in about half of the participants on day 30 after receiving a single dose of the Men-ACWY-DT vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilsah Baskol Elik
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey; Turgutlu State Hospital, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Manisa, Turkey.
| | - Cigdem Yıldırım
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey; Nigde Training and Research Hospital, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Nigde, Turkey
| | - Deniz Akyol Seyhan
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey; Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Aytac Erdem
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Aysin Zeytinoglu
- Izmir University of Economics, Medical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Medical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Husnu Pullukcu
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Meltem Tasbakan
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey
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Huang L, Srivastava A, Fairchild A, Whittington D, Johnson R. Young Adult and Parent Willingness to Pay for Meningococcal Serogroup B Vaccination. MDM Policy Pract 2024; 9:23814683241264280. [PMID: 39139368 PMCID: PMC11320402 DOI: 10.1177/23814683241264280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Serogroup B (MenB) is the leading cause of invasive meningococcal disease among adolescents and young adults in the United States. The US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends MenB vaccination based on shared clinical decision making between patients and providers. However, suboptimal understanding of these recommendations could contribute to low vaccination awareness and coverage. Understanding young adult and parent expectations of their health care providers (HCPs) and the value they place on vaccine information could help inform a consistent approach to HCP MenB vaccination discussions and recommendations. Methods. Data collected via a discrete-choice experiment online survey were used to evaluate preferences and willingness to pay regarding MenB vaccination among US parents and young adults in 2019. Results. Of 2,388 respondents with valid data, 1,185 were parents of children aged 12 to 25 y, and 1,203 were young adults aged 18 to 25 y. Approximately 70% of parents and young adults indicated that they would react negatively if their HCP chose not to initiate a discussion with them about MenB vaccines. Neither parents nor young adults were willing to pay for additional time for MenB vaccine discussions with their HCP but were willing to pay an average of $416 and $282, respectively, for the vaccine. For parents and young adults, greater willingness to pay was associated with a provaccination attitude and the opinion that the HCP has a moral obligation to discuss the MenB vaccine with them. Conclusion. Both parents and young adults felt their HCP is responsible for initiating a discussion about MenB vaccination and disease risk and were willing to pay for the vaccine. These findings should help inform ACIP recommendations for meningococcal vaccination. Highlights ACIP recommends shared clinical decision making for MenB vaccination.Data were collected from young adults and parents of adolescents by online survey.We measured values and consultation preferences on MenB disease and vaccination.Young adults/parents strongly preferred doctor-initiated MenB vaccine discussion.Respondents were willing to pay for a MenB vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Huang
- Patient Health and Impacts, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Amit Srivastava
- Orbital Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Medical Development & Scientific Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Angelyn Fairchild
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dale Whittington
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Reed Johnson
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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de Pouvourville G, Breau-Brunel M, Loncle-Provot V, Beck E, Gaugain L, Nachbaur G, Pribil C. Public Health Impact and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of 4-Component Meningococcal Serotype B Vaccination for Infants in France. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2024; 8:539-557. [PMID: 38780884 PMCID: PMC11252096 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-024-00488-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In France, meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) is the most common serogroup causing invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in infants and young children. Our objective was to illustrate the impact of model choices on health outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of infant vaccination with the multicomponent meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB) versus no vaccine in France. METHODS A previously published dynamic transmission-based cost-effectiveness model was adapted for the French context using updated, French-specific demographic, epidemiological, and cost data. IMD incidence and long-term sequelae were derived through analysis of French healthcare and surveillance databases. A collective perspective over a 100-year time horizon was adopted, with a discount rate of 2.5%, reduced to 1.5% after the first 30 years. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed. RESULTS In the base case analysis, infant vaccination with 4CMenB avoided 3101 MenB IMD cases in infants aged < 1 year (- 54%) and 6845 cases in all age groups (- 21%). The estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was €316,272/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) but was highly sensitive to the types of sequelae included, MenB incidence, vaccine effectiveness parameters, and consideration of life-expectancy in IMD survivors (range: €65,272/QALY to €493,218/QALY). CONCLUSIONS Using economic models compliant with French methodology guidelines, 4CMenB does not seem cost-effective; however, results are sensitive to model choices and 4CMenB immunization is an effective strategy to prevent MenB IMD cases and to improve quality of life and economic burden associated with MenB IMD treatment, especially with regard to long-term sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Céline Pribil
- GSK, 23, rue François Jacob, 92500, Rueil-Malmaison, France.
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Presa J, Findlow J, Zimet GD. Meningococcal Vaccination of Adolescents in the United States: Past Successes and Future Considerations. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:1068-1077. [PMID: 38430074 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a rare but serious illness, and adolescents and young adults in the United States are at increased risk. Here, we discuss US IMD history and how successful disease prevention through routine vaccination against the most common disease-causing serogroups (A, B, C, W, and Y) can inform future recommendations. Before the introduction of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccines, most US cases of IMD were caused by serogroups B, C, and Y. After recommendation by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for routine MenACWY vaccination of 11-12-year-olds in 2005, followed by a 2010 booster recommendation, MenCWY disease incidence declined dramatically, and vaccine coverage remains high. Two serogroup B (MenB) vaccines are licensed in the United States, but uptake is low compared with MenACWY vaccines, likely because Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends MenB vaccination subject to shared clinical decision-making rather than routinely for all adolescents. The proportion of adolescent IMD caused by MenB has now increased. Pentavalent vaccines that protect against serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y may provide an optimal strategy for improving vaccination rates to ultimately reduce MenB incidence while maintaining the historically low rates of IMD caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Presa
- Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, Pennsylvania.
| | - Jamie Findlow
- Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Ltd, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Gregory D Zimet
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Peters S, Mohort K, Claus H, Stigloher C, Schubert-Unkmeir A. Interaction of Neisseria meningitidis carrier and disease isolates of MenB cc32 and MenW cc22 with epithelial cells of the nasopharyngeal barrier. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1389527. [PMID: 38756230 PMCID: PMC11096551 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1389527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis (Nm, the meningococcus) is considered an asymptomatic colonizer of the upper respiratory tract and a transient member of its microbiome. It is assumed that the spread of N. meningitidis into the bloodstream occurs via transcytosis of the nasopharyngeal epithelial barrier without destroying the barrier layer. Here, we used Calu-3 respiratory epithelial cells that were grown under air-liquid-interface conditions to induce formation of pseudostratified layers and mucus production. The number of bacterial localizations in the outer mucus, as well as cellular adhesion, invasion and transmigration of different carrier and disease N. meningitidis isolates belonging to MenB:cc32 and MenW:cc22 lineages was assessed. In addition, the effect on barrier integrity and cytokine release was determined. Our findings showed that all strains tested resided primarily in the outer mucus layer after 24 h of infection (>80%). Nonetheless, both MenB:cc32 and MenW:cc22 carrier and disease isolates reached the surface of the epithelial cells and overcame the barrier. Interestingly, we observed a significant difference in the number of bacteria transmigrating the epithelial cell barrier, with the representative disease isolates being more efficient to transmigrate compared to carrier isolates. This could be attributed to the capacity of the disease isolates to invade, however could not be assigned to expression of the outer membrane protein Opc. Moreover, we found that the representative meningococcal isolates tested in this study did not damage the epithelial barrier, as shown by TEER measurement, FITC-dextran permeability assays, and expression of cell-junction components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Peters
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius-Maximilian University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Katherina Mohort
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius-Maximilian University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Heike Claus
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius-Maximilian University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Stigloher
- Imaging Core Facility, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilian University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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Forcada-Segarra JA, Cuesta-Esteve I, García Pérez A, Sancho Martínez R, Rey Biel P, Carrera-Barnet G, Cuadra-Grande ADL, Casado MÁ, Drago G, Gómez-Barrera M, López-Belmonte JL. Nurses' preferences regarding MenACWY conjugate vaccines attributes: a discrete choice experiment in Spain. Public Health 2024; 230:163-171. [PMID: 38555685 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Immunisation against preventable diseases as meningitis is crucial from a public health perspective to face challenges posed by these infections. Nurses hold a great responsibility for these programs, which highlights the importance of understanding their preferences and needs to improve the success of campaigns. This study aimed to investigate nurses' preferences regarding Meningococcus A, C, W, and Y (MenACWY) conjugate vaccines commercialised in Spain. STUDY DESIGN A national-level discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted. METHODS A literature review and a focus group informed the DCE design. Six attributes were included: pharmaceutical form, coadministration evidence, shelf-life, package contents, single-doses per package, and package volume. Conditional logit models quantified preferences and relative importance (RI). RESULTS Thirty experienced primary care nurses participated in this study. Evidence of coadministration with other vaccines was the most important attribute (RI = 43.78%), followed by package size (RI = 22.17%), pharmaceutical form (RI = 19.07%), and package content (RI = 11.80%). There was a preference for evidence of coadministration with routine vaccines (odds ratio [OR] = 2.579, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 2.210-3.002), smaller volumes (OR = 1.494, 95%CI = 1.264-1.767), liquid formulations (OR = 1.283, 95%CI = 1.108-1.486) and package contents including only vial/s (OR = 1.283, 95%CI = 1.108-1.486). No statistical evidence was found for the remaining attributes. CONCLUSIONS Evidence of coadministration with routine vaccines, easy-to-store packages, and fully liquid formulations were drivers of nurses' preferences regarding MenACWY conjugate vaccines. These findings provide valuable insights for decision-makers to optimize current campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Forcada-Segarra
- Asociación Nacional de Enfermería y Vacunas (ANENVAC), Valencia, Spain; Public Health Nurse, Valencia, Spain
| | - I Cuesta-Esteve
- Asociación Nacional de Enfermería y Vacunas (ANENVAC), Valencia, Spain; Nurse and Matron, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - A García Pérez
- Asociación Nacional de Enfermería y Vacunas (ANENVAC), Valencia, Spain; Primary Care Nurse, Cáceres, Spain
| | - R Sancho Martínez
- Asociación Nacional de Enfermería y Vacunas (ANENVAC), Valencia, Spain; Vaccinology, Public Health, Basque Government, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - P Rey Biel
- ESADE Business School, Universitat Ramón Llull, Spain
| | | | - A de la Cuadra-Grande
- Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research Iberia (PORIB), Paseo Joaquín Rodrigo 4 e Letter I, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28224, Madrid, Spain.
| | - M Á Casado
- Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research Iberia (PORIB), Paseo Joaquín Rodrigo 4 e Letter I, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28224, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Drago
- Medical Advisor Vaccines, Sanofi, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Gómez-Barrera
- Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research Iberia (PORIB), Paseo Joaquín Rodrigo 4 e Letter I, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28224, Madrid, Spain
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Huber A, Kovács E, Horváth A, Sahin-Tóth J, Kaptás Á, Juhász E, Kristóf K, Dobay O. Prevalence, serogroup distribution and risk factors of Neisseria meningitidis carriage in high school and university students in Hungary. Vaccine 2024; 42:2271-2277. [PMID: 38423809 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.02.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis causes life-threatening invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) with high mortality worldwide. Asymptomatic pharyngeal meningococcus colonisation is an important reservoir for the spread of the bacterium. The aim of this study was to determine N. meningitidis colonisation rates in asymptomatic high school and university students and to identify risk factors for carriage. Oropharyngeal swab samples and data from a self-reported questionnaire were obtained from overall 610 students, among them 303 university students and 307 high school students, aged between 15 and 31 years in Budapest, Hungary, between November 2017 and December 2018. Meningococcal carriage and serogroup of N. meningitidis were determined by RT-PCR from DNA extracted directly from the specimen. N. meningitidis was identified in 212 (34.8 %) of the participants. Significantly higher carriage rate was found among high school students (48.9 %) compared to university students (20.5 %). Peak of colonisation rate was among 17-19-year-old students (48.7 %). Most carriage isolates were non-typable (87.3 %). From the 212 meningococcus carriers, 19 were colonised by serogroup B (9 %), 5 by serogroup C (2.4 %), and 1 had serogroup Y (0.5 %). Significantly higher colonisation rate was found among males (42.4 %) than in females (33.1 %). Antibiotic use in the past 2 months has decreased the rate of meningococcal colonisation. Recent respiratory infection, active or passive smoking and attending parties have not influenced meningococcal colonisation rate significantly. In conclusion, we have found high asymptomatic meningococcus carriage rate among high school students and young adults, however, the majority of the colonizing meningococci were non-typable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamária Huber
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Kovács
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Horváth
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Sahin-Tóth
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Kaptás
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Emese Juhász
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Kristóf
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Dobay
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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11
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Ivancic RJ, Root ZT, deSilva BW. Neisseria meningitidis on Sinonasal Culture for Sinusitis: A Case Series and Literature Review. Laryngoscope 2024; 134:1603-1605. [PMID: 37610211 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is carried asymptomatically in the nasopharynx and is most known for causing septicemia and meningitis; however, the pathogenesis and incidence rates of N. meningitidis sinusitis are not well described. This case series describes four patients from a tertiary medical center who presented with culture-positive N. meningitidis sinusitis within a nine-month period. Three patients had complete resolution of symptoms after treatment with the appropriate antibiotic regimen, with one patient requiring functional endoscopic sinus surgery. We encourge providers to advocate for vaccination in their young adult unvaccinated patients, as each patient here was not appropriately vaccinated according to CDC guidelines. Laryngoscope, 134:1603-1605, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Ivancic
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Zachary T Root
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Brad W deSilva
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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12
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Gruhn S, Batram M, Wick M, Langevin E, Scholz S, Greiner W, Damm O. Modelling the Public Health Impact of MenACWY and MenC Adolescent Vaccination Strategies in Germany. Infect Dis Ther 2024; 13:907-920. [PMID: 38570446 PMCID: PMC11058744 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-024-00958-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) causes significant mortality and long-term sequelae. This study assesses the potential public health impact of adolescent vaccination strategies employing MenACWY and MenC vaccines in Germany, where the existing meningococcal immunisation programme predominantly involves MenC administration in toddlers. METHODS A dynamic transmission model was developed to simulate the carriage of five meningococcal serogroup compartments (AY/B/C/W/Other) from 2019 until 2060 within 1-year age groups from 0 to 99 years of age. IMD cases were estimated based on case-carrier ratios. The model considered vaccine effectiveness against carriage acquisition and IMD. RESULTS The model predicts that introducing MenACWY adolescent vaccination could lead to a considerable reduction in IMD incidence, with the potential to prevent up to 65 cases per year and a cumulative total of 1467 cases by 2060. This decrease, mainly driven by herd effects, would result in a reduction of IMD incidence across all age groups, regardless of vaccination age. Furthermore, implementing MenACWY vaccination in adolescents is projected to decrease annual MenACWY-related IMD mortality by up to 64%, equating to an overall prevention of 156 IMD deaths by 2060. These protective outcomes are expected to culminate in approximately 2250 life years gained (LYG) throughout the model's projected time horizon. In contrast, the adoption of MenC vaccination in adolescents is predicted to have minimal influence on both IMD incidence and mortality, as well as on LYG. CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrate that implementing MenACWY vaccination for adolescents in Germany is likely to notably reduce IMD incidence and mortality across age groups. However, the introduction of MenC adolescent vaccination shows only limited impact. Considering the extensive healthcare resources typically required for IMD management, these findings suggest the potential for economic benefits associated with the adoption of MenACWY adolescent vaccination, warranting further cost-effectiveness analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Gruhn
- Department for Health Economics and Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Manuel Batram
- Vandage GmbH, Detmolder Straße 30, 33604, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Moritz Wick
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Lützowstraße 107, 10785, Berlin, Germany
| | - Edith Langevin
- Sanofi Vaccines, 14 Espace Henry Vallee, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Stefan Scholz
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburgerstr. 20, 06112, Halle (Saale)., Germany
| | - Wolfgang Greiner
- Department for Health Economics and Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Oliver Damm
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Lützowstraße 107, 10785, Berlin, Germany
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13
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Persson A, Koivula T, Jacobsson S, Stenmark B. Diverse proinflammatory response in pharyngeal epithelial cells upon interaction with Neisseria meningitidis carriage and invasive isolates. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:286. [PMID: 38443838 PMCID: PMC10916014 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09186-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), including sepsis and meningitis, can develop when Neisseria meningitidis bacteria breach the barrier and gain access to the circulation. While IMD is a rare outcome of bacterial exposure, colonization of the oropharynx is present in approximately 10% of the human population. This asymptomatic carriage can be long or short term, and it is unknown which determining factors regulate bacterial colonization. Despite descriptions of many bacterial virulence factors and recent advances in detailed genetic identification and characterization of bacteria, the factors mediating invasion and disease vs. asymptomatic carriage following bacterial colonization remain unknown. The pharyngeal epithelia play a role in the innate immune defense against pathogens, and the aim of this study was to investigate the proinflammatory response of pharyngeal epithelial cells following meningococcal exposure to describe the potential inflammatory mediation performed during the initial host‒pathogen interaction. Clinically relevant isolates of serogroups B, C, W and Y, derived from patients with meningococcal disease as well as asymptomatic carriers, were included in the study. RESULTS The most potent cellular response with proinflammatory secretion of TNF, IL-6, CXCL8, CCL2, IL-1β and IL-18 was found in response to invasive serogroup B isolates. This potent response pattern was also mirrored by increased bacterial adhesion to cells as well as induced cell death. It was, however, only with serogroup B isolates where the most potent cellular response was toward the IMD isolates. In contrast, the most potent cellular response using serogroup Y isolates was directed toward the carriage isolates rather than the IMD isolates. In addition, by comparing isolates from outbreaks in Sweden (epidemiologically linked and highly genetically similar), we found the most potent proinflammatory response in cells exposed to carriage isolates rather than the IMD isolates. CONCLUSION Although certain expected correlations between host‒pathogen interactions and cellular proinflammatory responses were found using IMD serogroup B isolates, our data indicate that carriage isolates invoke stronger proinflammatory activation of the epithelial lining than IMD isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Persson
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Therese Koivula
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Susanne Jacobsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Bianca Stenmark
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Shekhova E, Salazar F, Da Silva Dantas A, Chakraborty T, Wooding EL, White PL, Warris A. Age difference of patients with and without invasive aspergillosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:220. [PMID: 38373908 PMCID: PMC10875810 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09109-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive Aspergillosis (IA) is a life-threatening fungal disease with significant mortality rates. Timely diagnosis and treatment greatly enhance patient outcomes. This study aimed to explore the association between patient age and the development of IA, as well as the potential implications for risk stratification strategies. METHODS We searched National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) databases for publications until October 2023 containing age characteristics of patients with and without IA. A random-effects model with the application of inverse-variance weighting was used to pool reported estimates from each study, and meta-regression and subgroup analyses were utilized to assess sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS A systematic review was conducted, resulting in the inclusion of 55 retrospective observational studies with a total of 13,983 patients. Meta-analysis revealed that, on average, patients with IA were approximately two and a half years older (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.84-3.31 years; I2 = 26.1%) than those without the disease (p < 0.0001). No significant moderators could explain the observed heterogeneity in age difference. However, subgroup analysis revealed that age differences were more pronounced within particular patient groups compared to others. For example, patients with and without IA who had primary severe lung infections exhibited a greater difference in mean age than other patient cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Further research, such as individual patient data meta-analysis, is necessary to better understand the potential relationship between increasing age and the likelihood of IA. Improved risk stratification strategies based on patient age could potentially enhance the early detection and treatment of IA, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Shekhova
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Fabián Salazar
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | | | - Tanmoy Chakraborty
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Eva L Wooding
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
- Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - P Lewis White
- Public Health Wales Microbiology Cardiff, Cardiff University, UHW, Cardiff, UK
- Centre for Trials Research, Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University, UHW, Cardiff, UK
| | - Adilia Warris
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
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15
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Leong LE, Coldbeck-Shackley RC, McMillan M, Bratcher HB, Turra M, Lawrence A, Kahler C, Maiden MC, Rogers GB, Marshall H. The genomic epidemiology of Neisseria meningitidis carriage from a randomised controlled trial of 4CMenB vaccination in an asymptomatic adolescent population. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2024; 43:100966. [PMID: 38169944 PMCID: PMC10758868 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Oropharyngeal carriage of Neisseria meningitidis is frequent during adolescence, representing a major source of invasive meningococcal disease. This study examined the impact of a serogroup B vaccination (Bexsero, GSK 4CMenB) programme on adolescent N. meningitidis carriage using genomic data. Methods A total 34,489 oropharyngeal samples were collected as part of a state-wide cluster randomised-controlled trial in South Australia during 2017 and 2018 (NCT03089086). Samples were screened for the presence of N. meningitidis DNA by porA PCR prior to culture. Whole genome sequencing was performed on all 1772 N. meningitidis culture isolates and their genomes were analysed. Findings Unencapsulated meningococci were predominant at baseline (36.3% of isolates), followed by MenB (31.0%), and MenY (20.5%). Most MenB were ST-6058 from hyperinvasive cc41/44, or ST-32 and ST-2870 from cc32. For MenY, ST-23 and ST-1655 from cc23 were prevalent. Meningococcal carriage was mostly unchanged due to the vaccination programme; however, a significant reduction in ST-53 capsule-null meningococci prevalence was observed in 2018 compared to 2017 (OR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.30-0.87, p = 0.0106). This effect was larger in the vaccinated compared to the control group (OR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.12-0.98, p = 0.0368). Interpretation While deployment of the 4CMenB vaccination did not alter the carriage of hyperinvasive MenB in the vaccinated population, it altered the carriage of other N. meningitidis sequence types following the vaccination program. Our findings suggest 4CMenB vaccination is unlikely to reduce transmission of hyperinvasive N. meningitidis strains and therefore ongoing targeted vaccination is likely a more effective public health intervention. Funding This work was funded by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lex E.X. Leong
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, SA Pathology, Adelaide 5000, Australia
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
- Microbiome & Host Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
| | | | - Mark McMillan
- Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Adelaide 5000, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Holly B. Bratcher
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Turra
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, SA Pathology, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Andrew Lawrence
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, SA Pathology, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | | | - Martin C.J. Maiden
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Geraint B. Rogers
- Microbiome & Host Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
| | - Helen Marshall
- Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Adelaide 5000, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
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16
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McMillan M, Mohammed H, Bednarz J, Leong LEX, Lawrence A, Sullivan TR, Maiden MCJ, Marshall HS. Longitudinal study of meningococcal carriage in adolescents and young adults in South Australia 2017-2020. J Infect 2024; 88:149-157. [PMID: 38242365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This analysis investigated longitudinal changes in meningococcal carriage in adolescents in South Australia over 4 years. METHODS Data from the "B Part of It" study, which included a state-wide cluster randomized controlled trial in secondary-school students (n = 34,489 in 2017 and 2018) and serial cross-sectional studies in school leavers aged 17-25 years (n = 4028 in 2019-2020). Individuals had oropharyngeal swabs collected annually. This study included two unique cohorts: (1) individuals enrolled in 2019, with three consecutive annual swabs taken in 2017, 2018 and 2019; and (2) individuals enrolled in 2020, with swabs taken in 2017, 2018, and 2020. Disease-associated N. meningitidis genogroups were identified using PCR and whole genome sequencing. Univariate analysis identified risk factors for recurrent carriage (≥2). RESULTS Among school leavers, 50 (1.7%, total n = 2980) had carriage detected at successive visits. In participants with meningococcal carriage at successive visits, 38/50 (76.0%) had the same genogroup detected by porA PCR. Of those, 19 had the same MLST type and demonstrated minimal variation, indicating they most likely had sustained carriage of the same isolate (range 226 to 490 days, mean duration 352 [SD 51] days). In the 2019 school leaver cohort, 6.7% acquired carriage in their first year out of school compared to 3.3% in their final school year. Compared to single carriage detection, recurrent carriage was potentially more likely in older adolescents (16 compared to ≤15 years; OR = 1.97 (95%CI 1.0, 3.86); p = 0.048). CONCLUSION Whilst carriage is typically transient, some adolescents/young adults may have persistent carriage and are likely to be an important group in the transmission of meningococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark McMillan
- Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hassen Mohammed
- Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jana Bednarz
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; SAHMRI Women and Kids Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lex E X Leong
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, SA Pathology, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Andrew Lawrence
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, SA Pathology, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Thomas R Sullivan
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; SAHMRI Women and Kids Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Helen S Marshall
- Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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17
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Hoefer KC, Weber LT, Barbe AG, Graf I, Thom S, Nowag A, Scholz CJ, Wisplinghoff H, Noack MJ, Jazmati N. The tongue microbiome of young patients with chronic kidney disease and their healthy mothers. Clin Oral Investig 2024; 28:110. [PMID: 38265670 PMCID: PMC10808353 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-024-05492-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Oral microbiome plays a crucial role in the incidence and development of oral diseases. An altered intestinal microbiome has been reported in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to characterize the tongue microbiome of young patients with CKD compared to their healthy mothers to identify the influence of CKD-associated factors on resilient tongue ecosystem. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty patients with CKD (mean age, 14.2 years; 16 males and 14 females) and generalized gingivitis were included in the study. Swabs of the posterior tongue were collected from the patients and 21 mothers (mean age 40.8 years). Next-generation sequencing of 16S rDNA genes was employed to quantitatively characterize microbial communities. RESULTS The bacterial communities were similar in terms of richness and diversity between patients and mothers (p > 0.05). In patients with CKD, 5 core phyla, 20 core genera, and 12 core species were identified. CONCLUSIONS The tongue microbiome of the study participants showed no relevant CKD-associated differences compared to their mothers and appears to be a highly preserved niche in the oral cavity. Differences observed in the abundance of individual species in this study could be attributed to the age rather than CKD, even after a mean disease duration of 11 years. CLINICAL RELEVANCE CKD and its associated metabolic changes appear to have no detectable impact on the resilient tongue microbiome observed in young patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolin C Hoefer
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Polyclinic for Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Lutz T Weber
- Children´s and Adolescents Hospital, Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna Greta Barbe
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Polyclinic for Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Cologne, Germany
| | - Isabelle Graf
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Hilmar Wisplinghoff
- Wisplinghoff Laboratories, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Virology and Microbiology, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Michael J Noack
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Polyclinic for Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nathalie Jazmati
- Wisplinghoff Laboratories, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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18
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Burman C, Knuf M, Sáfadi MAP, Findlow J. Antibody persistence and revaccination recommendations of MenACWY-TT: a review of clinical studies assessing antibody persistence up to 10 years after vaccination. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:614-635. [PMID: 38697798 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2024.2348609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is potentially fatal and associated with severe sequelae among survivors. It is preventable by several vaccines, including meningococcal vaccines targeting the most common disease-causing serogroups (A, B, C, W, Y). The meningococcal ACWY tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-TT [Nimenrix]) is indicated from 6 weeks of age in the European Union and >50 additional countries. AREAS COVERED Using PubMed, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov and ad hoc searches for publications to June 2023, we review evidence of antibody persistence for up to 10 years after primary vaccination and up to 6 years after MenACWY-TT revaccination. We also review global MenACWY revaccination recommendations and real-world impact of vaccination policies, focusing on how these data can be considered alongside antibody persistence data to inform future IMD prevention strategies. EXPERT OPINION Based on clear evidence that immunogenicity data (demonstrated antibody titers above established correlates of protection) are correlated with real-world effectiveness, long-term persistence of antibodies after MenACWY-TT vaccination suggests continuing protection against IMD. Optimal timing of primary and subsequent vaccinations is critical to maximize direct and indirect protection. Recommending bodies should carefully consider factors such as age at vaccination and long-term immune responses associated with the specific vaccine being used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Burman
- Vaccines, Antivirals and Evidence Generation, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Markus Knuf
- Children's Hospital, Worms Clinic, Worms, Germany
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marco Aurelio P Sáfadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jamie Findlow
- Vaccines, Antivirals and Evidence Generation, Pfizer Ltd, Surrey, UK
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Borrow R, Findlow J. The important lessons lurking in the history of meningococcal epidemiology. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:445-462. [PMID: 38517733 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2024.2329618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), a rare but potentially fatal illness, is typically described as unpredictable and subject to sporadic outbreaks. AREAS COVERED Meningococcal epidemiology and vaccine use during the last ~ 200 years are examined within the context of meningococcal characterization and classification to guide future IMD prevention efforts. EXPERT OPINION Historical and contemporary data highlight the dynamic nature of meningococcal epidemiology, with continued emergence of hyperinvasive clones and affected regions. Recent shifts include global increases in serogroup W disease, meningococcal antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and meningococcal urethritis; additionally, unvaccinated populations have experienced disease resurgences following lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Despite these changes, a close analysis of meningococcal epidemiology indicates consistent dominance of serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y and elevated IMD rates among infants and young children, adolescents/young adults, and older adults. Demonstrably effective vaccines against all 5 major disease-causing serogroups are available, and their prophylactic use represents a powerful weapon against IMD, including AMR. The World Health Organization's goal of defeating meningitis by the year 2030 demands broad protection against IMD, which in turn indicates an urgent need to expand meningococcal vaccination programs across major disease-causing serogroups and age-related risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray Borrow
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UKHSA, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - Jamie Findlow
- Global Medical Affairs, Vaccines and Antivirals, Pfizer Ltd, Tadworth, UK
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20
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Villena R, Safadi MA, Gentile Á, Pujadas M, De la Maza V, George S, Torres JP. Epidemiology of Meningococcal Disease in Four South American Countries and Rationale of Vaccination in Adolescents from the Region: Position Paper of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SLIPE). Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1841. [PMID: 38140244 PMCID: PMC10748232 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Surveillance of meningococcal disease (MD) is crucial after the implementation of vaccination strategies to monitor their impact on disease burden. Adolescent vaccination could provide direct and indirect protection. Argentina, Brazil, and Chile have introduced meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MCV) into their National Immunization Programs (NIP), while Uruguay has not. Here, we analyze the epidemiology of MD and vaccination experience from these four South American countries to identify needs and plans to improve the current vaccination programs. METHODOLOGY Descriptive study of MD incidence rates, serogroup distribution, case fatality rates (CFR), and MCV uptakes during the period 2010-2021 in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. Data were extracted from national surveillance programs, reference laboratories, NIPs, and Pubmed. RESULTS MD overall incidence from 2010 to 2021 have a decreasing trend in Argentina (0.37 [IQR = 0.20-0.61]), Brazil (0.59 [IQR = 0.54-1.22]), and Chile (0.45 [IQR = 0.40-0.77]), while a significant increase in Uruguay (0.47 [IQR = 0.33-0.69]) was found from 2016 to 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all countries sharply reduced their MD incidence. The highest incidence rates were observed among infants, followed by children 1-4 years of age. No second peak was evident in adolescents. A reduction in serogroup C, W, and Y cases has occurred in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile after introduction of MCV, serogroup B becoming predominant in all four countries. Median CFR was 9.0%, 21%, 19.9%, and 17.9% in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay, respectively. Median uptake of MCV for Argentina and Brazil were 66.6% and 91.0% for priming in infants; 54.7% and 84.5% for booster in toddlers; and 47.5% and 53% for adolescents; while for Chile, 95.6% for toddlers. CONCLUSIONS Experience after the implementation of MCV programs in South America was successful, reducing the burden of MD due to the vaccine serogroups. High vaccine uptake and the inclusion of adolescents will be crucial in the post-pandemic period to maintain the protection of the population. The increase in the proportion of serogroup B cases emphasizes the importance of continuous surveillance to guide future vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Villena
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital de Niños Exequiel González Cortés, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8900085, Chile;
| | - Marco Aurelio Safadi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01224-001, Brazil;
| | - Ángela Gentile
- Department of Epidemiology, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutierrez, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1121, Argentina;
| | - Mónica Pujadas
- Department of Epidemiology and Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Hospital Pereira Rossell, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Republic, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay;
| | - Verónica De la Maza
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7500539, Chile; (V.D.l.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Sergio George
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7500539, Chile; (V.D.l.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Juan Pablo Torres
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7500539, Chile; (V.D.l.M.); (S.G.)
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Coronell-Rodriguez W, Caceres DC, Cintra O, Guzman-Holst A. Epidemiology of Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Colombia: A Retrospective Surveillance Database Analysis. Infect Dis Ther 2023; 12:2709-2724. [PMID: 37966702 PMCID: PMC10746648 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-023-00886-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), caused by Neisseria meningitidis, is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of the current study was to describe the historical and recent epidemiology of IMD in Colombia. METHODS This retrospective surveillance database analysis examined all available data on IMD in Colombia. Data were extracted from publicly available disease event reports and laboratory surveillance reports or obtained directly from hospitals in Cartagena. RESULTS During 2015-2021, the overall incidence of IMD was 0.04-0.18 per 100,000 based on laboratory surveillance reports. IMD incidence was highest among infants aged < 1 year (0.52-1.47 per 100,000), as was IMD mortality (0.00-0.65 per 100,000). Serogroup B was the dominant serogroup responsible for IMD in Colombia during 1988-2014, but, since 2015, serogroup C has been dominant in all age groups, followed by serogroups B and Y. During 2010-2021 combined, the majority of IMD cases were reported in Bogotá (31.9%) and Antioquia (21.7%). Of 42 IMD cases in the city of Cartagena, 54.8% occurred in people who lived in the poorest neighborhoods, and these patients had the highest IMD lethality (52.2%) and the shortest median hospitalization duration (3 days). CONCLUSION The overall incidence of IMD in Colombia was low but was highest among infants aged < 1 year. IMD cases tended to be concentrated in the more densely populated areas and in poorer neighborhoods. As the majority of IMD cases in Colombia since 2015 have been serogroup C, followed by B or Y, vaccination to protect against these serogroups could potentially be beneficial and help to achieve the World Health Organization's and Pan American Health Organization's roadmaps to defeat meningitis by 2030.
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Taha S, Hong E, Denizon M, Falguières M, Terrade A, Deghmane AE, Taha MK. The rapid rebound of invasive meningococcal disease in France at the end of 2022. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:1954-1960. [PMID: 37875044 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases declined upon the implementation of non-pharmaceutical measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic. A rebound in IMD cases was feared upon easing these measures. METHODS We conducted a retrospective descriptive study using the French National Reference Center Database for meningococci between 2015 and 2022. We scored serogroups, sex, age groups, and clonal complexes of the corresponding isolates. FINDINGS Our data clearly show a decline in the number of IMD cases for all serogroups and age groups until 2021. This decline was mainly due to a decrease in IMD cases provoked by the hyperinvasive ST-11 clonal complex. However, since the fall of 2021, there has been an increase in IMD cases, which accelerated in the second half of 2022. This rebound concerned all age groups, in particular 16-24 years. The increase in cases due to serogroups B, W, and Y were mainly due to the expansion of isolates of the ST-7460, the clonal complex ST-9316 and the clonal complex ST-23, respectively. INTERPRETATION IMD epidemiology changes constantly and profound epidemiological changes have been recently observed. The surveillance of IMD needs to be enhanced using molecular tools. Additionally, vaccination strategies need to be updated to acknowledge recent epidemiological changes of these vaccine-preventable serogroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samy Taha
- Invasive Bacterial Infections Unit and National Reference Center for Meningococci and Haemophilus influnezae, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, France
| | - Eva Hong
- Invasive Bacterial Infections Unit and National Reference Center for Meningococci and Haemophilus influnezae, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, France
| | - Mélanie Denizon
- Invasive Bacterial Infections Unit and National Reference Center for Meningococci and Haemophilus influnezae, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, France
| | - Michael Falguières
- Invasive Bacterial Infections Unit and National Reference Center for Meningococci and Haemophilus influnezae, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, France
| | - Aude Terrade
- Invasive Bacterial Infections Unit and National Reference Center for Meningococci and Haemophilus influnezae, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, France
| | - Ala-Eddine Deghmane
- Invasive Bacterial Infections Unit and National Reference Center for Meningococci and Haemophilus influnezae, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, France
| | - Muhamed-Kheir Taha
- Invasive Bacterial Infections Unit and National Reference Center for Meningococci and Haemophilus influnezae, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, France.
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Walsh L, Clark SA, Derrick JP, Borrow R. Beyond the usual suspects: Reviewing infections caused by typically-commensal Neisseria species. J Infect 2023; 87:479-489. [PMID: 37797844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Few data outside of individual case reports are available on non-meningococcal, non-gonococcal species of Neisseria as causative agents of invasive disease. This review collates disease, organism and patient information from case reports on the topic. METHODS A literature search was performed examining articles describing diseases caused by non-meningococcal and non-gonococcal Neisseria. FINDINGS Neisseria present as opportunistic pathogens causing a wide variety of diseases including serious presentations, endocarditis being the most common condition described and N. mucosa the most commonly presenting pathogen overall. Disease may occur in otherwise healthy patients, although risk factors for infection include recent surgery, an immunocompromised state, poor oral health, and intravenous drug use. CONCLUSIONS Commensal Neisseria infections are rare but can present serious invasive diseases. Further research is required to determine why some species cause disease more than others or why some are inclined towards particular manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd Walsh
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom.
| | - Stephen A Clark
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy P Derrick
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Ray Borrow
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
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Peterson J, Drazan D, Czajka H, Maguire J, Pregaldien JL, Seppa II, Maansson R, O'Neill R, Balmer P, Jodar L, Jansen KU, Anderson AS, Perez JL, Beeslaar J. Immunogenicity and safety of a pentavalent meningococcal ABCWY vaccine in adolescents and young adults: an observer-blind, active-controlled, randomised trial. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 23:1370-1382. [PMID: 37579773 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00191-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meningococcal serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y cause nearly all meningococcal disease, and comprehensive protection requires vaccination against all five serogroups. We aimed to assess the immunogenicity and safety of a pentavalent MenABCWY vaccine comprising two licensed vaccines-meningococcal serogroup B-factor H binding protein vaccine (MenB-FHbp) and a quadrivalent meningococcal serogroup ACWY tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-TT)-compared with two doses of MenB-FHbp and a single dose of quadrivalent meningococcal serogroup ACWY CRM197-conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-CRM) as the active control. We previously reported the primary safety and immunogenicity data relating to the two-dose MenB-FHbp schedule. Here we report secondary outcomes and ad-hoc analyses relating to MenABCWY immunogenicity and safety. METHODS We did an observer-blind, active-controlled trial at 68 sites in the USA, Czech Republic, Finland, and Poland. Healthy individuals (aged 10-25 years) who had or had not previously received a MenACWY vaccine were randomly assigned (1:2) using an interactive voice or web-based response system, stratified by previous receipt of a MenACWY vaccine, to receive 0·5 mL of MenABCWY (months 0 and 6) and placebo (month 0) or MenB-FHbp (months 0 and 6) and MenACWY-CRM (month 0) via intramuscular injection into the upper deltoid. All individuals were masked to group allocation, except staff involved in vaccine dispensation, preparation, and administration; and protocol adherence. Endpoints for serogroups A, C, W, and Y included the proportion of participants who achieved at least a four-fold increase in serum bactericidal antibody using human complement (hSBA) titres between baseline and 1 month after each vaccination. For serogroup B, secondary endpoints included the proportion of participants who achieved at least a four-fold increase in hSBA titres from baseline for each of four primary test strains and the proportion of participants who achieved titres of at least the lower limit of quantitation against all four test strains combined at 1 month after the second dose. Endpoints for serogroups A, C, W, and Y were assessed in the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population, which included all randomly assigned participants who received at least one vaccine dose and had at least one valid and determinate MenB or serogroup A, C, W, or Y assay result before vaccination up to 1 month after the second dose, assessed in ACWY-experienced and ACWY-naive participants separately. Secondary endpoints for serogroup B were analysed in the evaluable immunogenicity population, which included all participants in the mITT population who were randomly assigned to the group of interest, received all investigational products as randomly assigned, had blood drawn for assay testing within the required time frames, had at least one valid and determinate MenB assay result after the second vaccination, and had no important protocol deviations; outcomes were assessed in both ACWY-experienced and ACWY-naive populations combined. Non-inferiority of MenABCWY to MenACWY-CRM and MenB-FHbp was determined using a -10% non-inferiority margin for these endpoints. Reactogenicity and adverse events were assessed among all participants who received at least one vaccine dose and who had available safety data. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03135834, and is complete. FINDINGS Between April 24 and November 10, 2017, 1610 participants (809 MenACWY-naive; 801 MenACWY-experienced) were randomly assigned: 544 to receive MenABCWY and placebo (n=272 MenACWY-naive; n=272 MenACWY-experienced) and 1066 to receive MenB-FHbp and MenACWY-CRM (n=537 MenACWY-naive; n=529 MenACWY-experienced). Among MenACWY-naive or MenACWY-experienced MenABCWY recipients, 75·5% (95% CI 69·8-80·6; 194 of 257; serogroup C) to 96·9% (94·1-98·7; 254 of 262; serogroup A) and 93·0% (88·4-96·2; 174 of 187; serogroup Y) to 97·4% (94·4-99·0; 224 of 230; serogroup W) achieved at least four-fold increases in hSBA titres against serogroups ACWY after dose 1 or 2, respectively, in ad-hoc analyses. Additionally, 75·8% (71·5-79·8; 320 of 422) to 94·7% (92·1-96·7; 396 of 418) of MenABCWY and 67·4% (64·1-70·6; 563 of 835) to 95·0% (93·3-96·4; 782 of 823) of MenB-FHbp recipients achieved at least four-fold increases in hSBA titres against MenB strains after dose 2 in secondary analyses; 79·9% (334 of 418; 75·7-83·6) and 74·3% (71·2-77·3; 605 of 814), respectively, achieved composite responses. MenABCWY was non-inferior to MenACWY-CRM (single dose) and to MenB-FHbp in ad-hoc analyses based on the proportion of participants with at least a four-fold increase in hSBA titres from baseline and (for MenB-FHbp only) composite responses. Reactogenicity events after vaccination were similarly frequent across groups, were mostly mild or moderate, and were unaffected by MenACWY experience. No adverse events causing withdrawals were related to the investigational product. Serious adverse events were reported in four (1·5%; 0·4-3·7) MenACWY-naive individuals in the MenABCWY group versus six (2·2%; 0·8-4·8) among MenACWY-experienced individuals in the MenABCWY group and 14 (1·3%; 0·7-2·2) in the active control group (MenACWY-experienced and MenACWY-naive individuals combined); none of these were considered related to the investigational product. INTERPRETATION MenABCWY immune responses were robust and non-inferior to MenACWY-CRM and MenB-FHbp administered separately, and MenABCWY was well tolerated. The favourable benefit-risk profile supports further MenABCWY evaluation as a simplified schedule compared with current adolescent meningococcal vaccination programmes. FUNDING Pfizer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Drazan
- General Practice for Children and Adolescents, Jindrichuv Hradec, Czech Republic
| | - Hanna Czajka
- College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland; Individual Specialist Medical Practice, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jason Maguire
- Pfizer Vaccine Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA.
| | | | - IIkka Seppa
- Tampere University Vaccine Research Center, Tampere, Finland
| | - Roger Maansson
- Pfizer Vaccine Research and Development, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Robert O'Neill
- Pfizer Vaccine Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Paul Balmer
- Pfizer Vaccine Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Luis Jodar
- Pfizer Vaccine Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | | | | | - John L Perez
- Pfizer Vaccine Research and Development, Collegeville, PA, USA
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Irvine AJ, Wensley A, Hughes GJ, Clark SA, Leaman B, Vergis ME. Informing the use of a supplementary immunisation programme for the management of a community cluster of invasive meningococcal disease, Yorkshire, 2022. Public Health 2023; 225:263-266. [PMID: 37952342 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To outline the management of a community cluster of serogroup B invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases, including key factors for decision making and the choice and implementation of control measures. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive report of cluster management. METHODS Subtyping of IMD cases identified a number of potentially linked cases in a defined geographical area. An Incident Management Team (IMT) was convened to coordinate the public health response. A case definition was developed in order to identify further cases within the cluster. RESULTS Four cases of IMD met the case definition and were initially considered as part of this cluster. Three resided in the same small town, which was the focus for public health management. The IMT agreed that it would be proportionate to instigate additional control measures. The population at higher risk of infection were identified, and a supplementary vaccination programme was rolled out in the community. Over five clinics, 45.6% (639/1401) of the target cohort received at least one dose of the vaccine, with 34.7% (486/1401) receiving both doses. Inequalities in uptake were observed by sex, age and deprivation. CONCLUSIONS Decision making for public health responses to IMD clusters is complex. Informed by epidemiological evidence, numerous partners engaged in collaborative decision making, which was critical for the effective implementation of the community response. Links between the local authority public health team and the community enabled the use of existing structures and relationships to maximise the number of vaccinations delivered. No further cases of IMD linked to this cluster were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Irvine
- Yorkshire and the Humber Health Protection Team, UK Health Security Agency, Leeds, UK.
| | - A Wensley
- Field Services, North East and Yorkshire and Humber, UK Health Security Agency, Leeds, UK
| | - G J Hughes
- Field Services, North East and Yorkshire and Humber, UK Health Security Agency, Leeds, UK
| | - S A Clark
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - B Leaman
- Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council Public Health Team, Calderdale, UK
| | - M E Vergis
- Yorkshire and the Humber Health Protection Team, UK Health Security Agency, Leeds, UK
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Ivaškevičienė I, Silickaitė J, Mačionienė A, Ivaškevičius R, Bulavaitė A, Gėgžna V, Kiverytė S, Paškevič B, Žvirblienė A, Plečkaitytė M. Molecular characteristics of Neisseria meningitidis carriage strains in university students in Lithuania. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:352. [PMID: 37978423 PMCID: PMC10655475 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neisseria meningitidis can be carried asymptomatically in the human oropharynx without causing symptoms. Meningococcal carriage is relevant to the epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). No carriage studies have been performed among the general population in Lithuania, whereas the incidence of IMD in Lithuania was among the highest in European countries from 2009 to 2019. RESULTS We analyzed a total of 401 oropharyngeal samples collected from university students from December 2021 to February 2023 for N. meningitidis carriage using direct swab PCR assays and culture. The overall carriage prevalence based on both or either swab PCR or culture was 4.99%. PCR-based assays were used to characterize 15 carriage isolates, including detection of genogroup, multilocus sequence typing profile, and typing of antigens PorA and FetA. The most common carriage isolates were capsule null locus (cnl), accounting for 46.7%, followed by genogroups B (26.7%) and Y (13.3%). We also performed a molecular characterization of invasive N. meningitidis isolates collected during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic period to understand better the meningococcal carriage in the context of prevailing invasive strains. Despite the substantial decrease in the incidence of IMD during the 2020-2022 period, clonal complex 32 (CC32) of serogroup B continued to be the most prevalent IMD-causing CC in Lithuania. However, CC32 was not detected among carriage isolates. The most common CCs were CC269, CC198, and CC1136. The antigen peptide variants found in most carried isolates were classified as 'insufficient data' according to the MenDeVAR Index to evaluate the potential coverage by the 4CMenB vaccine. Nearly half of the isolates were potentially covered by the Men-Fhbp vaccine. Resistance to ciprofloxacin was detected only for one cnl isolate. All isolates were susceptible to penicillin and ceftriaxone. Our analysis identified frequent partying (≥ 4 times/month) as a risk factor for meningococcal carriage, whereas smoking, living in a dormitory, and previous COVID-19 illness were not associated with the carriage. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed a low prevalence of meningococcal carriage among university students in Lithuania. The carriage isolates showed genetic diversity, although almost half of them were identified as having a null capsule locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Ivaškevičienė
- Clinic of Children's Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Pediatric Center, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Justina Silickaitė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Asta Mačionienė
- Center of Laboratory Medicine, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Rimvydas Ivaškevičius
- Clinic of Children's Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Pediatric Center, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aistė Bulavaitė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vilmantas Gėgžna
- Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Silvija Kiverytė
- Center of Laboratory Medicine, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Božena Paškevič
- Clinic of Children's Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Pediatric Center, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aurelija Žvirblienė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Milda Plečkaitytė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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Fohmann I, Weinmann A, Schumacher F, Peters S, Prell A, Weigel C, Spiegel S, Kleuser B, Schubert-Unkmeir A. Sphingosine kinase 1/S1P receptor signaling axis is essential for cellular uptake of Neisseria meningitidis in brain endothelial cells. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011842. [PMID: 38033162 PMCID: PMC10715668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion of brain endothelial cells (BECs) is central to the pathogenicity of Neisseria meningitidis infection. Here, we established a key role for the bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and S1P receptor (S1PR) 2 in the uptake process. Quantitative sphingolipidome analyses of BECs infected with N. meningitidis revealed elevated S1P levels, which could be attributed to enhanced expression of the enzyme sphingosine kinase 1 and its activity. Increased activity was dependent on the interaction of meningococcal type IV pilus with the endothelial receptor CD147. Concurrently, infection led to increased expression of the S1PR2. Blocking S1PR2 signaling impaired epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation, which has been shown to be involved in cytoskeletal remodeling and bacterial endocytosis. Strikingly, targeting S1PR1 or S1PR3 also interfered with bacterial uptake. Collectively, our data support a critical role of the SphK/S1P/S1PR axis in the invasion of N. meningitidis into BECs, defining a potential target for adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Fohmann
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alina Weinmann
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Schumacher
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon Peters
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Agata Prell
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cynthia Weigel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Sarah Spiegel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Burkhard Kleuser
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Clark SA, Campbell H, Ribeiro S, Bertran M, Walsh L, Walker A, Willerton L, Lekshmi A, Bai X, Lucidarme J, Ladhani SN, Borrow R. Epidemiological and strain characteristics of invasive meningococcal disease prior to, during and after COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in England. J Infect 2023; 87:385-391. [PMID: 37689395 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In 2020, COVID-19 pandemic restrictions led to a major suppression of meningococcal disease in England. Here we describe the epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease in the three years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the three years immediately after the introduction of restrictions. METHODS The UK Health Security Agency conducts national meningococcal disease surveillance in England consisting of laboratory-based case confirmation with strain characterisation by culture and/or molecular detection, as well as clinical follow-up of all cases. RESULTS In the pre-pandemic period, 554-742 IMD cases were laboratory-confirmed per year. MenB caused 57.2% of cases, followed by MenW (22.7%), MenY (10.6%) and MenC (7.7%). The introduction of restrictions in late March 2020 led to a 73% reduction in IMD. After the removal of restrictions in 2021, a resurgence in MenB was observed, primarily in teenagers and young adults. During the following winter period (2022/23), MenB disease increased to the highest level since 2012 with cases rising across multiple age groups, however, cases in young children eligible for MenB vaccination remained lower than prior to the pandemic. MenACWY cases remained very low throughout the pandemic period. CONCLUSIONS Once pandemic restrictions in England were removed, MenB quickly rebounded- initially driven by a resurgence in teenagers/young adults, but later among other age groups. MenACWY cases remain very low due to the protection afforded by the adolescent MenACWY conjugate vaccine programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Clark
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK.
| | - Helen Campbell
- Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London, UK
| | - Sonia Ribeiro
- Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London, UK
| | - Marta Bertran
- Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London, UK
| | - Lloyd Walsh
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew Walker
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - Laura Willerton
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - Aiswarya Lekshmi
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - Xilian Bai
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - Jay Lucidarme
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - Shamez N Ladhani
- Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London, UK; Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St. George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Ray Borrow
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
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Watle SV, Børud B, Laake I, Baranowska-Hustad M, Bryant-Bratlie D, Bekkevold T, Caugant DA, Tunheim G, Næss LM. Antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W and Y in serum and saliva of Norwegian adolescents. Vaccine 2023; 41:6529-6537. [PMID: 37648606 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The incidence of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) among Norwegian 16-19-year-olds was 1-7/100,000 in the decade before the COVID-19 pandemic, with serogroup Y (MenY) dominance. In contrast to many other European countries, meningococcal vaccines are not part of the national immunisation program (NIP) in Norway. This cross-sectional study aimed to measure the degree of natural immunity against Neisseria meningitidis among adolescents in Norway to evaluate the need for introducing tetravalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) in the NIP. MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum and saliva samples were collected from students in upper and lower secondary schools in Norway in 2018. Samples were analysed for meningococcal capsular polysaccharide (PS)-specific antibodies using a bead-based multiplex immunoassay. PS-specific antibody levels were linked to data on meningococcal carriage, vaccination status and risk factors for carriage (assessed with questionnaire) and analysed by linear regression of log transformed concentrations. A subset of samples from unvaccinated individuals was analysed for serum bactericidal antibodies (SBA). RESULTS A total of 1344 participants, median age 16 years (range 12-24), were included in the study. Overall, 60.9% of the participants were female and 1137 (84.6%) were not vaccinated with MCV4. PS-specific antibody concentrations in serum and saliva were low among unvaccinated individuals for all serogroups and only 6.7-20.0% of the subpopulation with high PS-specific antibodies assessed with SBA had protective levels. Unvaccinated MenY carriers had higher levels of MenY anti-PS IgG in serum and IgA in saliva than those not carrying MenY. Use of Swedish snus was associated with lower anti-PS IgG levels in serum and waterpipe use with lower anti-PS IgG levels in saliva. CONCLUSION Unvaccinated adolescents in Norway have a low degree of natural immunity against the serogroups of N. meningitidis predominating among cases of IMD in this age group. Therefore, introduction of MCV4 for adolescents in the NIP is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Viksmoen Watle
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222, Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway; Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1078, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Bente Børud
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222, Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ida Laake
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222, Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Marta Baranowska-Hustad
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222, Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Diane Bryant-Bratlie
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222, Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Terese Bekkevold
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222, Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Dominique A Caugant
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222, Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway; Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1078, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Gro Tunheim
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222, Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lisbeth Meyer Næss
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222, Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
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30
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Rodriguez EI, Tzeng YL, Stephens DS. Continuing genomic evolution of the Neisseria meningitidis cc11.2 urethritis clade, NmUC: a narrative review. Microb Genom 2023; 9:001113. [PMID: 37850987 PMCID: PMC10634446 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) is a bacterial pathogen responsible for invasive meningococcal disease. Though typically colonizing the nasopharynx, multiple outbreaks of meningococcal urethritis were first reported in 2015-2016; outbreaks originally presumed to be caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng). Genomic analysis revealed that the Nm isolates causing these outbreaks were a distinct clade, and had integrated gonococcal DNA at multiple genomic sites, including the gonococcal denitrification apparatus aniA-norB, a partial gonococcal operon of five genes containing ispD, and the acetylglutamate kinase gene argB with the adjacent gonococcal locus NGO0843. The urethritis isolates had also deleted the group C capsule biosynthesis genes cssA/B/C and csc, resulting in loss of capsule. Collectively, these isolates form the N. meningitidis urethritis clade (NmUC). Genomic analysis of recent (2016-2022) NmUC isolates revealed that the genomic features have been maintained in the clade, implying that they are important for NmUC's status as a urogenital pathogen. Furthermore, the analysis revealed the emergence of a sub-clade, designated NmUC-B, phylogenetically separated from the earlier NmUC-A. This sub-clade has integrated additional gonococcal alleles into the genome, including alleles associated with antimicrobial resistance. NmUC continues to adapt to a urethral niche and evolve as a urogenital pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio I. Rodriguez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yih-Ling Tzeng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David S. Stephens
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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31
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Lin HL, Chen HM, Lin CY, Chen CC. Accuracy of antigen tests for meningococcal meningitis in cerebrospinal fluid: A diagnostic meta-analysis. Trop Med Int Health 2023; 28:797-805. [PMID: 37641441 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neisseria meningitidis is one of the major pathogens of meningitis in children worldwide and causes invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), which is a critical illness that mainly presents as meningitis and/or septicemia in children. Identification of N. meningitidis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of meningococcal meningitis, but antigen tests have advantages such as timely results, relatively low cost, and convenience. Yet, the diagnostic accuracy of antigen tests remains uncertain. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of antigen tests for N. meningitidis in CSF. METHODS We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of antigen tests for N. meningitidis in CSF. We included studies that provided sufficient data to construct a 2 × 2 table on a per-sample basis. To determine the overall sensitivity and specificity of the antigen tests, we used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as the reference standard and employed the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic model. RESULTS Nine studies with 4533 CSF samples were included. The meta-analysis yielded a pooled sensitivity of 91.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 80.0%-100.0%) and a pooled specificity of 93.8% (95% CI: 83.9%-100.0%). A subgroup analysis of 2 studies that reported the outcomes of MeningoSpeed yielded a pooled sensitivity of 93.4% (95% CI: 90.0%-95.8%) and a pooled specificity of 91.9% (95% CI: 88.6%-94.4%). Antigen testing for the N. meningitidis serogroup X had a pooled sensitivity of 92.4% (95% CI: 85.2%-96.2%) and a pooled specificity of 99.2% (95% CI: 78.7%-100.0%). CONCLUSIONS The studied antigen tests had high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of meningococcal meningitis in CSF specimens. Antigen testing could serve as an accurate diagnostic method for assessing patients who have a suspected N. meningitidis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Ling Lin
- Department of Nursing, Landseed International Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Mei Chen
- Department of Nursing, Landseed International Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yen Lin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chieh Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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32
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Eriksson L, Johannesen TB, Stenmark B, Jacobsson S, Säll O, Hedberg ST, Fredlund H, Stegger M, Mölling P. Genetic variants linked to the phenotypic outcome of invasive disease and carriage of Neisseria meningitidis. Microb Genom 2023; 9:001124. [PMID: 37874326 PMCID: PMC10634450 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis can be a human commensal in the upper respiratory tract but is also capable of causing invasive diseases such as meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. No specific genetic markers have been detected to distinguish carriage from disease isolates. The aim here was to find genetic traits that could be linked to phenotypic outcomes associated with carriage versus invasive N. meningitidis disease through a bacterial genome-wide association study (GWAS). In this study, invasive N. meningitidis isolates collected in Sweden (n=103) and carriage isolates collected at Örebro University, Sweden (n=213) 2018-2019 were analysed. The GWAS analysis, treeWAS, was applied to single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genes and k-mers. One gene and one non-synonymous SNP were associated with invasive disease and seven genes and one non-synonymous SNP were associated with carriage isolates. The gene associated with invasive disease encodes a phage transposase (NEIS1048), and the associated invasive SNP glmU S373C encodes the enzyme N-acetylglucosamine 1-phosphate (GlcNAC 1-P) uridyltransferase. Of the genes associated with carriage isolates, a gene variant of porB encoding PorB class 3, the genes pilE/pilS and tspB have known functions. The SNP associated with carriage was fkbp D33N, encoding a FK506-binding protein (FKBP). K-mers from PilS, tbpB and tspB were found to be associated with carriage, while k-mers from mtrD and tbpA were associated with invasiveness. In the genes fkbp, glmU, PilC and pilE, k-mers were found that were associated with both carriage and invasive isolates, indicating that specific variations within these genes could play a role in invasiveness. The data presented here highlight genetic traits that are significantly associated with invasive or carriage N. meningitidis across the species population. These traits could prove essential to our understanding of the pathogenicity of N. meningitidis and could help to identify future vaccine targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Eriksson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Thor Bech Johannesen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bianca Stenmark
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Susanne Jacobsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Olof Säll
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Sara Thulin Hedberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Hans Fredlund
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Marc Stegger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paula Mölling
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Kristinsdottir I, Visser LJ, Miellet WR, Mariman R, Pluister G, Haraldsson G, Haraldsson A, Trzciński K, Thors V. Meningococcal carriage in children and young adults: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study, Iceland, 2019 to 2021. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2300215. [PMID: 37768562 PMCID: PMC10540516 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.39.2300215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundNeisseria meningitidis is a commensal bacterium which can cause invasive disease. Colonisation studies are important to guide vaccination strategies.AimThe study's aim was to determine the prevalence of meningococcal colonisation, duration of carriage and distribution of genogroups in Iceland.MethodsWe collected samples from 1 to 6-year-old children, 15-16-year-old adolescents and 18-20-year-old young adults. Carriers were sampled at regular intervals until the first negative swab. Conventional culture methods and qPCR were applied to detect meningococci and determine the genogroup. Whole genome sequencing was done on groupable meningococci.ResultsNo meningococci were detected among 460 children, while one of 197 (0.5%) adolescents and 34 of 525 young adults (6.5 %) carried meningococci. Non-groupable meningococci were most common (62/77 isolates from 26/35 carriers), followed by genogroup B (MenB) (12/77 isolates from 6/35 carriers). Genogroup Y was detected in two individuals and genogroup W in one. None carried genogroup C (MenC). The longest duration of carriage was at least 21 months. Serial samples from persistent carriers were closely related in WGS.ConclusionsCarriage of pathogenic meningococci is rare in young Icelanders. Non-groupable meningococci were the most common colonising meningococci in Iceland, followed by MenB. No MenC were found. Whole genome sequencing suggests prolonged carriage of the same strains in persistent carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Kristinsdottir
- Children's Hospital Iceland, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
- University of Iceland, Faculty of Medicine, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Linda J Visser
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Willem R Miellet
- Department of Pediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Mariman
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Gerlinde Pluister
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Gunnsteinn Haraldsson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Asgeir Haraldsson
- Children's Hospital Iceland, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
- University of Iceland, Faculty of Medicine, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Krzysztof Trzciński
- Department of Pediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Valtyr Thors
- Children's Hospital Iceland, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
- University of Iceland, Faculty of Medicine, Reykjavik, Iceland
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Zambrano B, Peterson J, Deseda C, Julien K, Spiegel CA, Seyler C, Simon M, Hoki R, Anderson M, Brabec B, Áñez G, Shi J, Pan J, Hagenbach A, Von Barbier D, Varghese K, Jordanov E, Dhingra MS. Quadrivalent meningococcal tetanus toxoid-conjugate booster vaccination in adolescents and adults: phase III randomized study. Pediatr Res 2023; 94:1035-1043. [PMID: 36899125 PMCID: PMC10000353 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02478-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immunogenicity and safety of a booster dose of tetanus toxoid-conjugate quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (MenACYW-TT), alone or co-administered with MenB vaccine, were assessed in healthy 13-25-year olds who received MenACYW-TT or a CRM-conjugate vaccine (MCV4-CRM) 3-6 years earlier. METHODS This phase IIIb open-label trial (NCT04084769) evaluated MenACYW-TT-primed participants, randomized to receive MenACYW-TT alone or with a MenB vaccine, and MCV4-CRM-primed participants who received MenACYW-TT alone. Functional antibodies against serogroups A, C, W and Y were measured using human complement serum bactericidal antibody assay (hSBA). The primary endpoint was vaccine seroresponse (post-vaccination titers ≥1:16 if pre-vaccination titers <1:8; or a ≥4-fold increase if pre-vaccination titers ≥1:8) 30 days post booster. Safety was evaluated throughout the study. RESULTS The persistence of the immune response following primary vaccination with MenACYW-TT was demonstrated. Seroresponse after MenACYW-TT booster was high regardless of priming vaccine (serogroup A: 94.8% vs 93.2%; C: 97.1% vs 98.9%; W: 97.7% vs 98.9%; and Y; 98.9% vs 100% for MenACWY-TT-primed and MCV4-CRM-primed groups, respectively). Co-administration with MenB vaccines did not affect MenACWY-TT immunogenicity. No vaccine-related serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS MenACYW-TT booster induced robust immunogenicity against all serogroups, regardless of the primary vaccine received, and had an acceptable safety profile. IMPACT A booster dose of MenACYW-TT induces robust immune responses in children and adolescents primed with MenACYW-TT or another MCV4 (MCV4-DT or MCV4-CRM), respectively. Here, we demonstrate that MenACYW-TT booster 3-6 years after primary vaccination induced robust immunogenicity against all serogroups, regardless of the priming vaccine (MenACWY-TT or MCV4-CRM), and was well tolerated. Persistence of the immune response following previous primary vaccination with MenACYW-TT was demonstrated. MenACYW-TT booster with MenB vaccine co-administration did not affect MenACWY-TT immunogenicity and was well tolerated. These findings will facilitate the provision of broader protection against IMD particularly in higher-risk groups such as adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betzana Zambrano
- Global Clinical Development Strategy, Sanofi, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Carmen Deseda
- Caribbean Travel Medicine Clinic, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Brad Brabec
- Midwest Children's Health Research Institute, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Germán Áñez
- Global Clinical Development Strategy, Sanofi, Swiftwater, PA, USA
| | - Jiayuan Shi
- Global Biostatistical Sciences, Sanofi, Swiftwater, PA, USA
| | - Judy Pan
- Global Biostatistical Sciences, Sanofi, Swiftwater, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Emilia Jordanov
- Global Clinical Development Strategy, Sanofi, Swiftwater, PA, USA
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Yildiz P, Sahin Tekin M, Kaya M, Dinleyici EC. Nasopharyngeal Meningococcal Carriage among Older Adults in Türkiye (MeninGOLD Study). Microorganisms 2023; 11:2095. [PMID: 37630655 PMCID: PMC10458968 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: While there is a significant amount of information about invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), meningococcal carriage, and meningococcal vaccines in children and adolescents, data in older adults are limited. Studies of meningococcal carriage and transmission modeling can be utilized to predict the spread of IMD and guide prevention and treatment strategies. Our study's main objective was to assess the prevalece of Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) carriage, serogroup distribution, and associated risk factors among older adults in Türkiye. Methods: Nasopharyngeal samples were collected between December 2022 and January 2023 from a total of 329 older adults (65 years of age and above). The samples were tested via PCR for Nm, and a serogroup (A, B, C, Y, W, X, E, Z, H) analysis of the positive samples was performed. Results: In total, 329 adults over 65 years of age (150 females and 179 males; 69% were 65-75 years old and 31% were 75 years of age and older) were included in the study. Nm carriage was detected in 46 participants (13.9%), and the serogroup distribution was as follows: 2.4% MenY (n = 8), 1.8% MenB (n = 6), 0.2% MenW (n = 2), and 9.4% non-groupable (n = 31). Other serogroups were not detected. Between the meningococcal carriers and the non-carriers, there were no differences between previous vaccination histories (meningococcal, pneumococcal, influenza, and COVID-19), travel history for Hajj and/or Umrah, and the presence of chronic disease. Of the 16 cases positive for the serogroups Y, B, and W, 13 patients were between the ages of 65 and 74 and three patients were over 75 years old, and these three cases represented MenY. Conclusion: In our study, the percentage of meningococcal carriage was found to be 13.9%, the carriage rate for encapsulated strains was 4.8%, and the most common serogroup was MenY. Men Y was also the only serogroup detected in patients over 75 years of age. The MenY serogroup, which is one of the most important causes of IMD (especially in pneumonia cases) in people older than 65 years, was the most frequently carried serogroup in people over 65 years of age in our study. Adequate surveillance and/or a proper carriage study would help to define potential vaccination strategies for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Yildiz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir 26040, Türkiye
| | - Melisa Sahin Tekin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir 26040, Türkiye
| | | | - Ener Cagri Dinleyici
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir 26040, Türkiye
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36
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Miellet WR, Pluister G, Sikking M, Tappel M, Karczewski J, Visser LJ, Bosch T, Trzciński K, Mariman R. Surveillance of Neisseria meningitidis carriage four years after menACWY vaccine implementation in the Netherlands reveals decline in vaccine-type and rise in genogroup e circulation. Vaccine 2023:S0264-410X(23)00781-8. [PMID: 37423800 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.06.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Carriage of Neisseria meningitidisis an accepted endpoint in monitoring meningococcal vaccine effects. We applied molecular methods to assess the impact of menACWY vaccine implementation on meningococcal carriage and genogroup-specific prevalence in young adults in Fall of 2022, four years after the introduction of the tetravalent vaccine in the Netherlands. The overall carriage rate of genogroupable meningococci was not significantly different compared to a pre-menACWY cohort investigated in 2018 (20.8 % or 125 of 601 versus 17.4 % or 52 of 299 individuals, p = 0.25). Of 125 carriers of genogroupable meningococci, 122 (97.6 %) were positive for either vaccine-types menC, menW, menY or genogroups, menB, menE, and menX, which are not targeted by the menACWY vaccine. Compared with a pre-vaccine-implementation cohort, there was 3.8-fold reduction (p < 0.001) in vaccine-type carriage rates and 9.0-fold increase (p < 0.0001) in non-vaccine type menE prevalence. We observe a reduction in menW and menY and an increase in menE, which suggest that implementation of menACWY vaccine affected carriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem R Miellet
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gerlinde Pluister
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Meike Sikking
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Marcia Tappel
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | | | - Linda J Visser
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Thijs Bosch
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Krzysztof Trzciński
- Department of Pediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rob Mariman
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
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Lapi F, Marconi E, Vetrano DL, Rossi A, Lagolio E, Baldo V, Cricelli C. Epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease and its sequelae: a population-based study in Italian primary care, 2000-2019. Fam Pract 2023:7188176. [PMID: 37262015 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmad062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a severe infectious disease. Although effective preventive and therapeutical strategies are available, the fatality rate remains high in the general population, with an occurrence of meningococcal-related severe sequelae involving 10-20% of survivors. Given the crucial role of general practitioners in recognizing and preventing IMD and its related sequelae, we aim to assess the burden of these conditions in primary care. METHODS Using an Italian primary care database, the incidence rate of IMD was calculated in the period 2000-2019 by capturing the first diagnosis registered during follow-up. As far as meningococcal-related sequelae are concerned, we identified and clinically evaluated each potential sequela during the first 3 months, from 3 to 12 months, and up to 36 months. RESULTS Among 508 patients diagnosed with IMD, 403 (incidence rate: 0.24 per 10,000 person-years) comprised those diagnosed with IMD in patients aged 15 years or older. We ascertained 104 sequelae (20.4%); 76% of them occurred in those aged 25 or older; 42, 27, and 35 were assessed as short-, medium-, or long-term sequelae, respectively. Overall, 4.7% of IMD patients reported physical sequelae, while 12.2% and 5.7% of patients reported neurological and psychological sequelae, respectively. CONCLUSION Our study showed that a substantial proportion of IMD and related sequelae occur in individuals aged over 25, with a non-negligible burden for healthcare systems. As for the paediatric population, effective communication on the relevance of meningococcal vaccination in adults should be proficiently fostered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lapi
- Health Search, Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, 50142 Florence, Italy
| | - Ettore Marconi
- Health Search, Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, 50142 Florence, Italy
| | - Davide L Vetrano
- Aging Research Centre, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, 50142 Florence, Italy
| | - Erik Lagolio
- Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, 50142 Florence, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Baldo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Claudio Cricelli
- Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, 50142 Florence, Italy
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Hadley L, Karachaliou Prasinou A, Christensen H, Ramsay M, Trotter C. Modelling the impact of COVID-19 and routine MenACWY vaccination on meningococcal carriage and disease in the UK. Epidemiol Infect 2023; 151:e98. [PMID: 37259803 PMCID: PMC10284610 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268823000870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Country-wide social distancing and suspension of non-emergency medical care due to the COVID-19 pandemic will undoubtedly have affected public health in multiple ways. While non-pharmaceutical interventions are expected to reduce the transmission of several infectious diseases, severe disruptions to healthcare systems have hampered diagnosis, treatment, and routine vaccination. We examined the effect of this disruption on meningococcal disease and vaccination in the UK. By adapting an existing mathematical model for meningococcal carriage, we addressed the following questions: What is the predicted impact of the existing MenACWY adolescent vaccination programme? What effect might social distancing and reduced vaccine uptake both have on future epidemiology? Will catch-up vaccination campaigns be necessary? Our model indicated that the MenACWY vaccine programme was generating substantial indirect protection and suppressing transmission by 2020. COVID-19 social distancing is expected to have accelerated this decline, causing significant long-lasting reductions in both carriage prevalence of meningococcal A/C/W/Y strains and incidence of invasive meningococcal disease. In all scenarios modelled, pandemic social mixing effects outweighed potential reductions in vaccine uptake, causing an overall decline in carriage prevalence from 2020 for at least 5 years. Model outputs show strong consistency with recently published case data for England.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Hadley
- Disease Dynamics Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Oostdijk C, Ferreira JA, Ruijs WLM, Mollema L, Van Zoonen K. Adolescent and parental decision-making for the MenACWY vaccination: influential predictors and parental-adolescent differences among households in the Netherlands. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:947. [PMID: 37231425 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15872-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 2015 and 2018 The Netherlands experienced increases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) serogroup W (MenW). Therefore in 2018 the MenACWY vaccination was introduced in the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) and a catch-up campaign was initiated targeting adolescents. This study aimed to gain insight into what factors played a role in the decision-making process regarding the MenACWY vaccination. The focus was on the differences in the decision-making of parents and adolescents in order to assess what factors influence the decisions made. METHODS An online questionnaire was offered to adolescents and one of their parents. We used random forest analyses to determine which factors best predict the outcome of the MenACWY vaccination decision. We carried out ROC (receiver-operator characteristics) analyses to confirm the predictive value of the variables. RESULTS Among parents several factors stand out, centring on the process of the decision, their attitude about the MenACWY vaccination, trust in the vaccination, and ideas of important people around them. Among adolescents the three stand-out predictors are the ideas of important people around them, the process of the decision and trust in the vaccination. Parents have prominent influence in the decision-making, while the adolescent's influence in the household decision-making is more limited. Adolescents tend to be less engaged and spend less time thinking about the decision compared to parents. Opinions of parents and adolescents from the same households concerning the factors that are influential do not differ a lot in the final decision-making. CONCLUSIONS Information about MenACWY vaccination might be mainly addressed to the parents of the adolescents and whereby the dialogue about MenACWY vaccination between parents and adolescents will be stimulated. With regard to the predictor trust in vaccination, raising the frequency of use of certain sources, especially those deemed very reliable among households such as conversations with a GP or the provider of the vaccination (GGD/JGZ), might prove a useful strategy to solidify vaccination uptake numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Oostdijk
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - J A Ferreira
- Department of Statistics, Informatics and Mathematical Modeling, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO box 1, Bilthoven, 3720 BA, the Netherlands
| | - W L M Ruijs
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - L Mollema
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - K Van Zoonen
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Yezli S, Yassin Y, Mushi A, Alabdullatif L, Alburayh M, Alotaibi BM, Khan A, Walsh L, Lekshmi A, Walker A, Lucidarme J, Borrow R. Carriage of Neisseria meningitidis among travelers attending the Hajj pilgrimage, circulating serogroups, sequence types and antimicrobial susceptibility: A multinational longitudinal cohort study. Travel Med Infect Dis 2023; 53:102581. [PMID: 37178946 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Travel to international mass gatherings such as the Hajj pilgrimage increases the risk of Neisseria meningitidis transmission and meningococcal disease. We investigated carriage and acquisition of N. meningitidis among travelers to Hajj and determined circulating serogroups, sequence types and antibiotic susceptibility among isolates. METHOD We conducted a multinational longitudinal cohort study among 3921 traveling pilgrims in two phases: Pre-Hajj and Post-Hajj. For each participant, a questionnaire was administered and an oropharyngeal swab was obtained. N. meningitidis was isolated, serogrouped, and subjected to whole genome sequence analysis and antibiotic susceptibility testing. RESULTS Overall carriage and acquisition rates of N. meningitidis were 0.74% (95%CI: 0.55-0.93) and 1.10% (95%CI: 0.77-1.42) respectively. Carriage was significantly higher Post-Hajj (0.38% vs 1.10%, p = 0.0004). All isolates were nongroupable, and most belonged to the ST-175 complex and were resistant to ciprofloxacin with reduced susceptibility to penicillins. Three potentially invasive isolates (all genogroup B) were identified in the Pre-Hajj samples. No factors were associated with Pre-Hajj carriage. Suffering influenza like illness symptoms and sharing a room with >15 people were associated with lower carriage Post-Hajj (adjOR = 0.23; p = 0.008 and adjOR = 0.27; p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION Carriage of N. meningitidis among traveler to attending Hajj was low. However, most isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin used for chemoprophylaxis. A review of the current meningococcal disease preventive measures for Hajj is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Yezli
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Scientific Computing Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Yara Yassin
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Mushi
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lamis Alabdullatif
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariyyah Alburayh
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Badriah M Alotaibi
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anas Khan
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lloyd Walsh
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester, UK
| | - Aiswarya Lekshmi
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew Walker
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester, UK
| | - Jay Lucidarme
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester, UK
| | - Ray Borrow
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester, UK
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Ong HH, Toh WK, Thong LY, Phoon LQ, Clarke SC, Cheah ESG. Investigation of Upper Respiratory Carriage of Bacterial Pathogens among University Students in Kampar, Malaysia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8050269. [PMID: 37235317 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8050269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The carriage of bacterial pathogens in the human upper respiratory tract (URT) is associated with a risk of invasive respiratory tract infections, but the related epidemiological information on this at the population level is scarce in Malaysia. This study aimed to investigate the URT carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa among 100 university students by nasal and oropharyngeal swabbing. The presence of S. aureus, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa was assessed via swab culture on selective media and PCR on the resulting isolates. For S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae and N. meningitidis, their presence was assessed via multiplex PCR on the total DNA extracts from chocolate agar cultures. The carriage prevalence of H. influenzae, S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis and P. aeruginosa among the subjects was 36%, 27%, 15%, 11%, 5% and 1%, respectively, by these approaches. Their carriage was significantly higher in males compared to females overall. The S. aureus, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa isolates were also screened by the Kirby-Bauer assay, in which 51.6% of S. aureus were penicillin-resistant. The outcomes from carriage studies are expected to contribute to informing infectious disease control policies and guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hing Huat Ong
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Kampar Campus, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar 31900, Malaysia
| | - Wai Keat Toh
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Kampar Campus, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar 31900, Malaysia
| | - Li Ying Thong
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Kampar Campus, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar 31900, Malaysia
| | - Lee Quen Phoon
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kampar Campus, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar 31900, Malaysia
- Centre for Biomedical and Nutrition Research, Kampar Campus, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar 31900, Malaysia
| | - Stuart C Clarke
- Faculty of Medicine and Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Global Health Research Institute, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- Centre for Translational Research, Institute for Research, Development, and Innovation, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Eddy Seong Guan Cheah
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Kampar Campus, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar 31900, Malaysia
- Centre for Biomedical and Nutrition Research, Kampar Campus, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar 31900, Malaysia
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Chacon-Cruz E, Lopatynsky EZ. Serogroup B Meningococcal Sepsis and Meningitis Associated With Meningococcal Acute Otitis Media, and Paranasal Sinusitis in an Infant: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e38430. [PMID: 37273326 PMCID: PMC10234028 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Meningococcal disease (MD) is a potentially lethal condition. Typically, following infection, MD manifests with high fever, with signs and symptoms of severe septicemia with or without purpura, and in more than half of cases with meningitis. Acute otitis media (AOM) caused by Neisseria meningitidis has scarcely been reported, mostly without severe MD, and there are no reports of meningococcal paranasal sinusitis (PS). We present the case of a previously healthy 11-month-old infant who started with fever and cough and further developed intense irritability and right spontaneous purulent otorrhea, with subsequent increased fever and seizures. Blood, cerebrospinal, and middle ear fluid cultures were positive for N. meningitidis serogroup B, and a CT scan showed both maxillary and ethmoidal sinusitis. Intravenous ceftriaxone was administered for eight days, and three months following discharge, no sequelae were identified. This is the first report of a patient with MD associated with sepsis, meningitis, AOM, and PS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Chacon-Cruz
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Hospital General de Tijuana, Tijuana, MEX
- Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Think Vaccines LLC, Houston, USA
| | - Erika Z Lopatynsky
- Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
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Viviani V, Fantoni A, Tomei S, Marchi S, Luzzi E, Bodini M, Muzzi A, Giuliani MM, Maione D, Derrick JP, Delany I, Pizza M, Biolchi A, Bartolini E. OpcA and PorB are novel bactericidal antigens of the 4CMenB vaccine in mice and humans. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:54. [PMID: 37045859 PMCID: PMC10097807 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00651-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of Neisseria meningitidis Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMV) to induce protective responses in humans is well established and mainly attributed to Porin A (PorA). However, the contribution of additional protein antigens to protection remains to be elucidated. In this study we dissected the immunogenicity of antigens originating from the OMV component of the 4CMenB vaccine in mice and humans. We collected functional data on a panel of strains for which bactericidal responses to 4CMenB in infants was attributable to the OMV component and evaluated the role of 30 OMV-specific protein antigens in cross-coverage. By using tailor-made protein microarrays, the immunosignature of OMV antigens was determined. Three of these proteins, OpcA, NspA, and PorB, triggered mouse antibodies that were bactericidal against several N. meningitidis strains. Finally, by genetic deletion and/or serum depletion studies, we demonstrated the ability of OpcA and PorB to induce functional immune responses in infant sera after vaccination. In conclusion, while confirming the role of PorA in eliciting protective immunity, we identified two OMV antigens playing a key role in protection of infants vaccinated with the 4CMenB vaccine against different N. meningitidis serogroup B strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Viviani
- GSK, Siena, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeremy P Derrick
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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Man-Bovenkerk S, Schipper K, van Sorge NM, Speijer D, van der Ende A, Pannekoek Y. Neisseria meningitidis Sibling Small Regulatory RNAs Connect Metabolism with Colonization by Controlling Propionate Use. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0046222. [PMID: 36856428 PMCID: PMC10029713 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00462-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) colonizes the human nasopharynx, primarily as a commensal, but sporadically causing septicemia and meningitis. During colonization and invasion, it encounters different niches with specific nutrient compositions. Small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) are used to fine-tune expression of genes, allowing adaptation to their physiological differences. We have previously characterized sRNAs (Neisseria metabolic switch regulators [NmsRs]) controlling switches between cataplerotic and anaplerotic metabolism. Here, we extend the NmsR regulon by studying methylcitrate lyase (PrpF) and propionate kinase (AckA-1) involved in the methylcitrate cycle and serine hydroxymethyltransferase (GlyA) and 3-hydroxyacid dehydrogenase (MmsB) involved in protein degradation. These proteins were previously shown to be dysregulated in a ΔnmsRs strain. Levels of transcription of target genes and NmsRs were assessed by reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). We also used a novel gene reporter system in which the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of the target gene is fused to mcherry to study NmsRs-target gene interaction in the meningococcus. Under nutrient-rich conditions, NmsRs downregulate expression of PrpF and AckA-1 by direct interaction with the 5' UTR of their mRNA. Overexpression of NmsRs impaired growth under nutrient-limiting growth conditions with pyruvate and propionic acid as the only carbon sources. Our data strongly suggest that NmsRs downregulate propionate metabolism by lowering methylcitrate enzyme activity under nutrient-rich conditions. Under nutrient-poor conditions, NmsRs are downregulated, increasing propionate metabolism, resulting in higher tricarboxylic acid (TCA) activities. IMPORTANCE Neisseria meningitidis colonizes the human nasopharynx, forming a reservoir for the sporadic occurrence of epidemic invasive meningococcal disease like septicemia and meningitis. Propionic acid generated by other bacteria that coinhabit the human nasopharynx can be utilized by meningococci for replication in this environment. Here, we showed that sibling small RNAs, designated NmsRs, riboregulate propionic acid utilization by meningococci and, thus, colonization. Under conditions mimicking the nasopharyngeal environment, NmsRs are downregulated. This leads to the conversion of propionic acid to pyruvate and succinate, resulting in higher tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, allowing colonization of the nasopharynx. NmsRs link metabolic state with colonization, which is a crucial step on the trajectory to invasive meningococcal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Man-Bovenkerk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kim Schipper
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nina M. van Sorge
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Netherlands Reference Laboratory for Bacterial Meningitis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dave Speijer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arie van der Ende
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Pannekoek
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Næss LM, Maugesten IS, Caugant DA, Kassu A, Aseffa A, Børud B. Genetic, Functional, and Immunogenic Analyses of the O-Linked Protein Glycosylation System in Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup A ST-7 Isolates. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0045822. [PMID: 36852982 PMCID: PMC10029716 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00458-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis exhibits a general O-linked protein glycosylation system in which pili and other extracytoplasmic proteins are glycosylated. To investigate glycan antigenicity in humans and the significance of high glycan diversity on immune escape mechanisms, we exploited serogroup A meningococcal strains and serum samples obtained from laboratory-confirmed Ethiopian patients with meningococcal disease. The 37 meningococcal isolates were sequenced, and their protein glycosylation (pgl) genotypes and protein glycosylation phenotypes were investigated in detail. An insertion sequence (IS1655) element in pglH reduced glycan variability in the majority of isolates, while phase variation strengthened glycan variability and microheterogeneity. Homologous recombination events within the pgl genes were identified in eight of the 37 isolates, and the phenotypic consequences ranged from none detected to altered glycoforms in two of the isolates in which the whole pgl locus was exchanged. Immunoblotting of sera against a complete panel of glycan-expressing mutant strains demonstrated that most of these patient sera had IgG antibodies against various neisserial protein glycan antigens. Furthermore, using a bactericidal assay comparing a wild-type meningococcal A strain and a glycosylation-null variant strain, we showed that these protein glycan antigens interfere with bactericidal killing by antibodies in patient sera. Altogether, we were largely able to link pgl genotype with glycosylation phenotype. Our study reveals that protein glycans seem to contribute to the ability of N. meningitidis to resist the bactericidal activity of human serum, possibly by masking protein epitopes important for bactericidal killing and thus protection against meningococcal disease. IMPORTANCE Bacterial meningitis is a serious global health problem, and one of the major causative organisms is Neisseria meningitidis. Extensive variability in protein glycan structure and antigenicity is due to phase variation of protein glycosylation genes and polymorphic gene content and function. The exact role(s) of glycosylation in Neisseria remains to be determined, but increasing evidence, supported by this study, suggests that glycan variability can be a strategy to escape the human immune system. The complexity of the O-linked protein glycosylation system requires further studies to fully comprehend how these bacteria utilize variation in pgl genes to produce such high glycoform diversity and to evade the human immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisbeth M. Næss
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingunn S. Maugesten
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dominique A. Caugant
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Afework Kassu
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abraham Aseffa
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bente Børud
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Wang B, Andraweera P, Elliott S, Mohammed H, Lassi Z, Twigger A, Borgas C, Gunasekera S, Ladhani S, Marshall HS. Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection by Age: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2023; 42:232-239. [PMID: 36730054 PMCID: PMC9935239 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections have raised concerns for public health policies to manage epidemics. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the age-specific proportion of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected persons globally by year of age. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, medRxiv and Google Scholar on September 10, 2020, and March 1, 2021. We included studies conducted during January to December 2020, before routine vaccination against COVID-19. Because we expected the relationship between the asymptomatic proportion and age to be nonlinear, multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression (QR decomposition) with a restricted cubic spline was used to model asymptomatic proportions as a function of age. RESULTS A total of 38 studies were included in the meta-analysis. In total, 6556 of 14,850 cases were reported as asymptomatic. The overall estimate of the proportion of people who became infected with SARS-CoV-2 and remained asymptomatic throughout infection was 44.1% (6556/14,850, 95% CI: 43.3%-45.0%). The predicted asymptomatic proportion peaked in children (36.2%, 95% CI: 26.0%-46.5%) at 13.5 years, gradually decreased by age and was lowest at 90.5 years of age (8.1%, 95% CI: 3.4%-12.7%). CONCLUSIONS Given the high rates of asymptomatic carriage in adolescents and young adults and their active role in virus transmission in the community, heightened vigilance and public health strategies are needed among these individuals to prevent disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Wang
- From the Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Prabha Andraweera
- From the Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Salenna Elliott
- From the Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hassen Mohammed
- From the Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Zohra Lassi
- From the Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Shamez Ladhani
- Immunisation Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK; Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Siobhan Marshall
- From the Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Association between Meningococcal Meningitis and Santa Ana Winds in Children and Adolescents from Tijuana, Mexico: A Need for Vaccination. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8030136. [PMID: 36977137 PMCID: PMC10055931 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Based on previous studies (regional and national), Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico (across the border from San Diego, California, USA), has been shown to have the highest rate of meningococcal meningitis (MeM) in the country. However, the reason for this high incidence has not yet been established. To explain this regional/endemic public health problem, we aimed to evaluate whether there is a climatic association with MeM in the region. In the “African Meningitis Belt,” the Harmattan seasons are associated with MeM outbreaks; similarly, the Santa Ana winds (SAWs) seasons are characterized by hot and dry winds (similar to Harmattan seasons) that occur seasonally in Southwest California, USA, and Northwest Baja California, Mexico. Objectives: We aimed to determine a potential association of SAWs with MeM in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, which in turn may partially explain the high rate of this disease in the region. Methods: Based on our previously published data obtained from thirteen years of active surveillance of MeM and a 65-year review showing the seasonal occurrence of SAWs, we estimated the risk ratio (RR) for the total case numbers of MeM (51 cases of children < 16 years old) vs. bacterial meningitis not caused by Neisseria meningitidis (NMeM, 30 cases, same age group) during seasons with and without SAWs. Results: We found an association between SAWs and MeM, but not with NMeM (RR = 2.06, p = 0.02 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.8), which may partially explain the high endemicity of this deadly disease in this part of the globe. Conclusion: This study shows a new potential climatic association with MeM and provides more information that justifies universal meningococcal vaccination in Tijuana, Mexico.
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Invasive Meningococcal Disease and Meningococcal Serogroup B Vaccination in Adults and Their Offspring: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Italy (2019). Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030508. [PMID: 36992092 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite its effectiveness in preventing invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), pediatric uptake of recombinant meningococcal vaccination for serogroup B meningitis (MenB) is low in Italy. This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) about IMD and the vaccine uptake for MenB from July to December 2019, in a sample collected from a series of local Facebook discussion groups from the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia (North-Eastern Italy; 337,104 registered users). A self-administered anonymous web-based questionnaire was used to collect demographics, knowledge status, perceived risk for contracting meningitis, attitude towards the utility of meningococcal vaccine, and willingness to receive/perform MenB vaccine in their offspring. In total, 541 parents returned a fully completed questionnaire (response rate of 1.6% of potential recipients), with a mean age of 39.2 years ± 6.3 (78.1% females). Meningococcal infection was identified as severe or highly severe by most participants (88.9%), while it was recognized as being frequent/highly frequent in the general population by 18.6% of respondents. The overall knowledge status was unsatisfactory (57.6% ± 33.6 of correct answers to the knowledge test). Even though 63.4% of participants were somewhat favorable to MenB/MenC vaccines, offspring’s vaccination towards MenB was reported by only 38.7% of participants. In a binary logistic regression model, the male gender of respondents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.184, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.772 to 5.721), living in a municipality >15,000 inhabitants (aOR 1.675, 95%CI 1.051 to 2.668), reporting a favorable attitude on meningococcus B vaccine (aOR 12.472, 95%CI 3.030 to 51.338), having been vaccinated against serogroup B (aOR 5.624, 95%CI 1.936 to 16.337) and/or serogroup C (aOR 2.652, 95%CI 1.442 to 4.872), and having previously vaccinated their offspring against serogroup C meningococcus (aOR 6.585, 95%CI 3.648 to 11.888) were characterized as positive effectors of offspring’s vaccination. On the contrary, having a higher risk perception on vaccines was identified as the only negative effector (aOR 0.429, 95%CI 0.241 to 0.765). Our results hint towards extensive knowledge gaps on IMD and preventive interventions in the general population, suggesting that a positive attitude towards vaccines and vaccinations could be identified as the main effector also for MenB acceptance. Interventions in the general population aimed at improving confidence, compliance, and acknowledgment of the collective responsibility, as well as preventing actual constraints and the sharing of false beliefs on infectious diseases and their preventive measures, could therefore increase vaccination acceptance in both targeted individuals and their offspring.
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Prevalence and persistence of Neisseria meningitidis carriage in Swedish university students. Epidemiol Infect 2023; 151:e25. [PMID: 36775828 PMCID: PMC9990396 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268823000018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterium Neisseria meningitidis causes life-threatening disease worldwide, typically with a clinical presentation of sepsis or meningitis, but can be carried asymptomatically as part of the normal human oropharyngeal microbiota. The aim of this study was to examine N. meningitidis carriage with regard to prevalence, risk factors for carriage, distribution of meningococcal lineages and persistence of meningococcal carriage. Throat samples and data from a self-reported questionnaire were obtained from 2744 university students (median age: 23 years) at a university in Sweden on four occasions during a 12-month period. Meningococcal isolates were characterised using whole-genome sequencing. The carriage rate among the students was 9.1% (319/3488; 95% CI 8.2-10.1). Factors associated with higher carriage rate were age ≤22 years, previous tonsillectomy, cigarette smoking, drinking alcohol and attending parties, pubs and clubs. Female gender and sharing a household with children aged 0-9 years were associated with lower carriage. The most frequent genogroups were capsule null locus (cnl), group B and group Y and the most commonly identified clonal complexes (cc) were cc198 and cc23. Persistent carriage with the same meningococcal strain for 12 months was observed in two students. Follow-up times exceeding 12 months are recommended for future studies investigating long-term carriage of N. meningitidis.
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50
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Silveira MM, Crespo da Silva PA, Conrad NL, Oliveira TL, Hartwig DD, Trotter C. Surveillance of invasive meningococcal disease in southern Brazil: considerations of an immunization programme. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 36753430 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a major cause of meningitis and septicaemia worldwide. Changes in serogroup predominance contribute to the unpredictable nature of the disease, with significant health impact. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological profile of IMD in Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná, three states in southern Brazil. We analysed 1024 IMD cases that had been confirmed by clinical and/or laboratory criteria and reported to the national information system for notifiable diseases between 2015 and 2019. Additionally, we calculated the proportions of serogroup and incidence by age. Of 1024 cases, 562 (55 %) were caused by serogroup C. Furthermore, serogroup W was responsible for almost half of the cases among children younger than 5 years between 2017 and 2018, with an overall incidence of 1.5 cases/100 000 infants. IMD remains a significant healthcare issue in southern Brazil despite reduced serogroup C incidence after the introduction of the meningococcal C conjugate vaccine into the childhood immunization programme. Changes in disease epidemiology were observed, and serogroup W was the most common serogroup among children younger than 5 years in 2017 and 2018. Although future cost-effectiveness studies are necessary, our results could have future implications for meningococcal vaccination programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelle Moura Silveira
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Neida Lucia Conrad
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Thaís Larré Oliveira
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Daiane Drawanz Hartwig
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.,Biology Institute, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Caroline Trotter
- Disease Dynamics Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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