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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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Guzzetta G, Ajelli M, Miglietta A, Fazio C, Neri A, Merler S, Rezza G, Stefanelli P. Evaluating the effect of targeted strategies as control tools for hypervirulent meningococcal C outbreaks: a case study from Tuscany, Italy, 2015 to 2016. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2200650. [PMID: 37166763 PMCID: PMC10176827 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.19.2200650] [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: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundMeningococcus (Neisseria meningitidis) is the causative bacteria of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), a major cause of meningitis and sepsis. In 2015-16, an outbreak caused by serogroup C meningococci (MenC), belonging to the hyperinvasive strain ST-11(cc-11), resulted in 62 IMD cases in the region of Tuscany, Italy.AimWe aimed to estimate the key outbreak parameters and assess the impact of interventions used in the outbreak response.MethodsWe developed a susceptible-carrier-susceptible individual-based model of MenC transmission, accounting for transmission in households, schools, discos/clubs and the general community, which was informed by detailed data on the 2015-16 outbreak (derived from epidemiological investigations) and on the implemented control measures.ResultsThe outbreak reproduction number (Re) was 1.35 (95% prediction interval: 1.13-1.47) and the IMD probability was 4.6 for every 1,000 new MenC carriage episodes (95% confidence interval: 1.8-12.2). The interventions, i.e. chemoprophylaxis and vaccination of close contacts of IMD cases as well as age-targeted vaccination, were effective in reducing Re and ending the outbreak. Case-based interventions (including ring vaccination) alone would have been insufficient to achieve outbreak control. The definition of age groups to prioritise vaccination had a critical impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of control measures.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that there are no effective alternatives to widespread reactive vaccination during outbreaks of highly transmissible MenC strains. Age-targeted campaigns can increase the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns. These results can be instrumental to define effective guidelines for the control of future meningococcal outbreaks caused by hypervirulent strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Guzzetta
- Center for Health Emergencies, Bruno Kessler Foundation, Trento, Italy
| | - Marco Ajelli
- Center for Health Emergencies, Bruno Kessler Foundation, Trento, Italy
- Laboratory for Computational Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Alessandro Miglietta
- Units of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Central Tuscany Health Authority, Florence, Italy
- Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Epidemiologic Observatory, Florence , Italy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Fazio
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Neri
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Merler
- Center for Health Emergencies, Bruno Kessler Foundation, Trento, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rezza
- Health Prevention Directorate, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Stefanelli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Yezli S, Yassin Y, Mushi A, Bukhari M, Banasser T, Khan A. Carriage of Neisseria meningitidis Among Umrah Pilgrims: Circulating Serogroups and Antibiotic Resistance. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:4685-4696. [PMID: 36039322 PMCID: PMC9419905 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s375096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Meningococcal disease and outbreaks are a risk during mass gatherings such as the Umrah religious pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). We aimed to investigate the carriage of Neisseria meningitidis among the 2019 Umrah pilgrims and determine the circulating serogroups and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among adult Umrah pilgrims from 17th to 29th April 2019 in Mecca city, KSA. A questionnaire was administered to each participant, and an oropharyngeal swab was obtained. Microbiological techniques were used to isolate, identify and serogroup N. meningitidis from the swabs. E-tests were used to determine the susceptibility of the isolates to nine antibiotics. Results The study enrolled 616 pilgrims from 17 countries with a mean age of 53.8 years (±13.1, range = 19–91) and a male-to-female ratio of 1.1:1. Nearly 39% of the respondents had no formal education, 32.5% declared having an underlying health condition and 17.2% were current or past smokers. During their Umrah stay, most pilgrims reported sharing accommodation (98.5%) and never using a face mask (98.5%). Also, 34.6% reported suffering from influenza-like symptoms and 11.8% used antibiotics. N. meningitidis was isolated from three pilgrims (carriage rate of 0.49%), two were serogroup A and one was serogroup B. Antibiotic susceptibility results were available for one isolate (serogroup B) which showed resistance to ciprofloxacin and decreased susceptibility to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Conclusion Carriage of N. meningitidis among Umrah pilgrims was low. However, invasive serogroups were identified, including an isolate resistant to ciprofloxacin used for chemoprophylaxis. Meningococcal disease preventive measures for Umrah should be regularly reviewed and updated accordingly to reduce the risk of the disease and future pilgrimage-associated outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Yezli
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, 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
| | - Mamdouh Bukhari
- Regional Laboratory, Makkah City General Directorate of Health Affairs, Ministry of Health, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Talib Banasser
- Regional Laboratory, Makkah City General Directorate of Health Affairs, Ministry of Health, Makkah, 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
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Morselli S, Gaspari V, Cantiani A, Salvo M, Foschi C, Lazzarotto T, Marangoni A. Meningococcal Carriage in 'Men Having Sex With Men' With Pharyngeal Gonorrhoea. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:798575. [PMID: 35096648 PMCID: PMC8790146 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.798575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed the characteristics of Neisseria meningitidis pharyngeal carriage in a cohort of ‘men having sex with men’, including patients with pharyngeal Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection. In the period 2017-2019, among all the oropharyngeal samples tested for gonorrhoea from MSM attending a STI Clinic in Bologna (Italy), we randomly selected 244 N. gonorrhoeae-positive samples and 403 negatives (n=647). Pharyngeal specimens were tested for N. meningitidis presence, by the detection of sodC gene. N. meningitidis-positive samples were further grouped by PCR tests for the major invasive genogroups (i.e., A, B, C, W, and Y). A molecular assay, targeting capsule transporter gene, was used to determine meningococcal capsular status. Overall, 75.8% (491/647) of samples tested positive for sodC gene, indicating a pharyngeal meningococcal carriage. Meningococcal colonisation was significantly more frequent in younger subjects (P=0.009), with no association with HIV infection. Non-groupable meningococci represented most of pharyngeal carriages (about 71%). The commonest N. meningitidis serogroup was B (23.6%), followed by C (2.1%), Y (1.8%) and W (1.1%). Meningococci were often characterized by the genetic potential of capsule production. Interestingly, a negative association between N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae was found: pharyngeal gonorrhoea was significantly more present in patients without meningococcal carriage (P=0.03). Although preliminary, our data added knowledge on the epidemiology of meningococcal carriage in MSM communities at high risk of gonococcal infections, gaining new insights into the interactions/dynamics between N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Morselli
- Microbiology, Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valeria Gaspari
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Cantiani
- Microbiology, Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Melissa Salvo
- Microbiology, Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Foschi
- Microbiology, Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tiziana Lazzarotto
- Microbiology, Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Marangoni
- Microbiology, Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Meningococcal Disease in Pediatric Age: A Focus on Epidemiology and Prevention. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074035. [PMID: 35409716 PMCID: PMC8998454 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis; 13 serogroups have been identified and differentiated from each other through their capsular polysaccharide. Serotypes A, B, C, W, X, and Y are responsible for nearly all infections worldwide. The most common clinical manifestations are meningitis and invasive meningococcal disease, both characterized by high mortality and long-term sequelae. The infection rate is higher in children younger than 1 year and in adolescents, who are frequently asymptomatic carriers. Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing infection and transmission. Currently, both monovalent meningococcal vaccines (against A, B, and C serotypes) and quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines (against serogroups ACYW) are available and recommended according to local epidemiology. The purpose of this article is to describe the meningococcal vaccines and to identify instruments that are useful for reducing transmission and implementing the vaccination coverage. This aim could be reached by switching from the monovalent to the quadrivalent vaccine in the first year of life, increasing vaccine promotion against ACYW serotypes among adolescents, and extending the free offer of the anti-meningococcal B vaccine to teens, co-administering it with others proposed in the same age group. Greater awareness of the severity of the disease and increased health education through web and social networks could represent the best strategies for promoting adhesion and active participation in the vaccination campaign. Finally, the development of a licensed universal meningococcal vaccine should be another important objective.
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McMillan M, Marshall HS, Richmond P. 4CMenB vaccine and its role in preventing transmission and inducing herd immunity. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 21:103-114. [PMID: 34747302 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2003708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Vaccination is the most effective method of protecting people from invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). Of all the capsular groups, B is the most common cause of invasive meningococcal disease in many parts of the world. Despite this, adolescent meningococcal B vaccine programs have not been implemented globally, partly due to the lack of evidence for herd immunity afforded by meningococcal B vaccines. AREAS COVERED This review aims to synthesise the available evidence on recombinant 4CMenB vaccines' ability to reduce pharyngeal carriage and therefore provide indirect (herd) immunity against IMD. EXPERT OPINION There is some evidence that the 4CMenB vaccine may induce cross-protection against non-B carriage of meningococci. However, the overall body of evidence does not support a clinically significant reduction in carriage of disease-associated or group B meningococci following 4CMenB vaccination. No additional cost-benefit from herd immunity effects should be included when modelling the cost-effectiveness of 4CMenB vaccine programs against group B IMD. 4CMenB immunisation programs should focus on direct (individual) protection for groups at greatest risk of meningococcal disease. Future meningococcal B and combination vaccines being developed should consider the impact of the vaccine on carriage as part of their clinical evaluation.
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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
| | - 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
| | - Peter Richmond
- Division of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Department of General Paediatrics and Immunology, Perth Children's Hospital.,Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kid's Institute, Perth, Western Australia
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Drew RJ, Bennett D, O'Donnell S, Mulhall R, Cunney R. Risk factors for carriage of meningococcus in third-level students in Ireland: an unsupervised machine learning approach. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:3702-3709. [PMID: 34165378 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1940651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the risk factors for pharyngeal carriage of meningococci in third-level students using an unsupervised machine learning approach. Data were gathered as part of meningococcal prevalence studies conducted by the Irish Meningitis and Sepsis Reference Laboratory (IMSRL). Pharyngeal swab cultures for meningococcal carriage were taken from each student once they had completed a single-page anonymous questionnaire addressing basic demographics, social behaviors, living arrangements, vaccination, and antibiotic history. Data were analyzed using multiple correspondence analysis through a machine learning approach.In total, 16,285 students who had a pharyngeal throat swab taken returned a fully completed questionnaire. Overall, meningococcal carriage rate was 20.6%, and the carriage of MenW was 1.9% (n = 323). Young Irish adults aged under 20 years and immunized with the meningococcal C vaccine had a higher MenW colonization rate (n = 171/1260, 13.5%) compared with non-Irish adults aged 20 years or older without the MenC vaccine (n = 5/81, 6%, chi-square = 3.6, p = .05). Unsupervised machine learning provides a useful technique to explore meningococcal carriage risk factors. The issue is very complex, and asked risk factors only explain a small proportion of the carriage. This technique could be used on other conditions to explore reasons for carriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Drew
- Irish Meningitis and Sepsis Reference Laboratory, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland.,Clinical Innovation Unit, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Desirée Bennett
- Irish Meningitis and Sepsis Reference Laboratory, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinéad O'Donnell
- Irish Meningitis and Sepsis Reference Laboratory, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Robert Mulhall
- Irish Meningitis and Sepsis Reference Laboratory, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Robert Cunney
- Irish Meningitis and Sepsis Reference Laboratory, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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Sabbatucci M, Odone A, Signorelli C, Siddu A, Maraglino F, Rezza G. Improved Temporal Trends of Vaccination Coverage Rates in Childhood after the Mandatory Vaccination Act, Italy 2014-2019. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2540. [PMID: 34201199 PMCID: PMC8230222 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintaining high vaccine coverage (VC) for pediatric vaccinations is crucial to ensure herd immunity, reducing the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD). The Italian vaccination Law (n. 119/2017) reinforced mandates for polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and hepatitis B, extending the mandate to pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella, for children up to 16 years of age. We analyzed the national temporal trends of childhood immunization rates from 2014 to 2019 to evaluate the impact of the mandatory reinforcement law set in 2017 as a sustainable public health strategy in Italy. In a 3-year period, 9 of the 10 compulsory vaccinations reached the threshold of 95% and VC for chicken pox increased up to 90.5%, significantly. During the same period, the recommended vaccinations (against meningococcus B and C, pneumococcus, and rotavirus) also recorded a significant increase in VC trends. In conclusion, although the reinforcement of compulsory vaccination generated a wide public debate that was amplified by traditional and social media, the 3-year evaluation highlights positive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Sabbatucci
- Department Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General Health Prevention, Communicable Diseases and International Prophylaxis, 20379 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (F.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Carlo Signorelli
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Andrea Siddu
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General Health Prevention, Communicable Diseases and International Prophylaxis, 20379 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (F.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Francesco Maraglino
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General Health Prevention, Communicable Diseases and International Prophylaxis, 20379 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (F.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Giovanni Rezza
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General Health Prevention, Communicable Diseases and International Prophylaxis, 20379 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (F.M.); (G.R.)
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Steurer LM, Hetzmannseder M, Willinger B, Starzengruber P, Mikula C, Kormann-Klement A, Weber M, Berger A, Grill A. Pharyngeal carriage rates of Neisseria meningitidis in health care professionals at a tertiary university pediatric hospital. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 39:1703-1709. [PMID: 32333221 PMCID: PMC7427699 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-020-03894-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pharyngeal carriage is the reservoir for Neisseria meningitidis in the population and the first step in disease transmission. Especially in young infants and adolescents, N. meningitidis can cause serious invasive infection with high fatality rates and high rates of long-term sequelae among survivors. The aim of this study was to determine N. meningitidis colonization rates in asymptomatic health care professionals at a tertiary university pediatric hospital and to identify risk factors for carriage. This cross-sectional meningococcal carriage survey was conducted between April and October 2018 at the Medical University of Vienna. Individuals working as nurses, pediatricians, or medical students were enrolled. Oropharyngeal swabs were directly plated onto selective agar plates and conventional culture was used for bacterial identification. Meningococcal isolates were further characterized using whole-genome sequencing. A total of 437 oropharyngeal specimens were collected. Overall, meningococcal carriage prevalence was 1.14% (5/437), with 0.7% (3/437) for capsular genotype B, and 0.5% (2/437) for capsular genotype W. Mean age of carriers was significantly lower than of non-carriers (24.2 vs. 35.8; p = 0.004). The highest carriage rate of 4.4% (4/91) was found in the age group 18–25. Carriage was negatively associated with age and timespan working in pediatrics. This is the first study evaluating the prevalence of Neisseria meningitidis carriage in health care professionals working in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Carriage was in general lower than expected for all age groups, implicating a low risk of meningococcal transmission via this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Maria Steurer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine and Neuropediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Mathias Hetzmannseder
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine and Neuropediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Willinger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Starzengruber
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Mikula
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Graz, Austria
| | - Andrea Kormann-Klement
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Weber
- Section for Medical Statistics, CeMSIIS, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelika Berger
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine and Neuropediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Agnes Grill
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine and Neuropediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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IGIDBASHIAN S, BERTIZZOLO L, TOGNETTO A, AZZARI C, BONANNI P, CASTIGLIA P, CONVERSANO M, ESPOSITO S, GABUTTI G, ICARDI G, LOPALCO P, VITALE F, PARISI S, CHECCUCCI LISI G. Invasive meningococcal disease in Italy: from analysis of national data to an evidence-based vaccination strategy. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2020; 61:E152-E161. [PMID: 32802999 PMCID: PMC7419122 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.2.1589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is one of the most severe vaccine-preventable disease not yet under control. In Italy, although different anti-meningococcal vaccines are available, their offer among regions is heterogeneous. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology of IMD in Italy based on analysis of national surveillance data for 2011-2017 to optimize the vaccination strategy. Methods IMD surveillance data from the Italian National Health Institute were analysed. Microsoft Excel was used to present trend analysis, stratifying by age and serogroups. Results In Italy, during the period 2011-2017, the incidence of IMD increased from 0.25 cases/100,000 inhabitants in 2011 to 0.33 cases/100,000 in 2017. Most cases after 2012 were caused by non-B serogroups. The number of cases in subjects aged 25-64 years increased steadily after 2012 (36 cases in 2011, 79 in 2017), mostly due to non-B serogroups, representing more than 65% of cases in those aged 25+ years. Conclusions In the period from 2011 to 2017, the incidence of IMDs increased in Italy. The increase, probably due also to a better surveillance, highlights the importance of the disease in the adult population and the high level of circulation of non-B serogroups in particular after 2012. Our analysis supports an anti-meningococcal vaccination plan in Italy that should include the highest number of preventable serogroups and be aimed at vaccinating a wider population through a multicohort strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. IGIDBASHIAN
- Sanofi Pasteur, Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: Sarah Igidbashian, Sanofi Pasteur Italia, viale Luigi Bodio 37/b, 20158 Milan, Italy - E-mail:
| | | | - A. TOGNETTO
- Section of Hygiene, Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - C. AZZARI
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
- Meyer Children’s University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - P. BONANNI
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - P. CASTIGLIA
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - M. CONVERSANO
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority of Taranto, Italy
| | - S. ESPOSITO
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children’s Hospital, University of Parma, Italy
| | - G. GABUTTI
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - G. ICARDI
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Italy; IRCCS San Martino Policlinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - P.L. LOPALCO
- Department of Translational Research, New Technologies in Medicine & Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - F. VITALE
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Italy
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Ladhani SN, Lucidarme J, Parikh SR, Campbell H, Borrow R, Ramsay ME. Meningococcal disease and sexual transmission: urogenital and anorectal infections and invasive disease due to Neisseria meningitidis. Lancet 2020; 395:1865-1877. [PMID: 32534649 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(20)30913-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is an obligate human commensal bacterium that frequently colonises the upper respiratory tract. Person-to-person transmission occurs via direct contact or through dispersion of respiratory droplets from a carrier of the bacteria, and can lead to invasive meningococcal disease. Rare sporadic cases of meningococcal urogenital and anorectal infections, including urethritis, proctitis, and cervicitis, have been reported, typically following orogenital contact with an oropharyngeal meningococcal carrier. The resulting infections were clinically indistinguishable from infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Over the past two decades, there have also been multiple outbreaks across North America and Europe of invasive meningococcal disease among men who have sex with men (MSM). The responsible meningococci belong to a highly virulent and predominantly serogroup C lineage, including strains that are able to express nitrite reductase and grow in anaerobic environments, such as the urogenital and anorectal tracts. More recently, a distinct clade within this lineage has expanded to cause urethritis predominantly among men who have sex with women. Evolutionary events giving rise to this clade included the loss of the ability to express a capsule, and acquisition of several gonococcal alleles, including one allele encoding a highly efficient gonococcal nitrite reductase. Members of the clade continue to acquire gonococcal alleles, including one allele associated with decreased antibiotic susceptibility. This evolution has implications for the clinical and public health management of those who are infected and their close contacts, in terms of both antibiotic treatment, and prevention through vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamez N Ladhani
- Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, Public Health England, London, UK; Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group (PIDRG), St George's University of London, London, UK.
| | - Jay Lucidarme
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - Sydel R Parikh
- Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Helen Campbell
- Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Ray Borrow
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - Mary E Ramsay
- Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, Public Health England, London, UK
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Esteves-Jaramillo A, Koehler T, Jeanfreau R, Neveu D, Jordanov E, Singh Dhingra M. Immunogenicity and safety of a quadrivalent meningococcal tetanus toxoid-conjugate vaccine (MenACYW-TT) in ≥56-year-olds: A Phase III randomized study. Vaccine 2020; 38:4405-4411. [PMID: 32387012 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.04.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive meningococcal disease has a high mortality rate in individuals aged ≥56 years, but no vaccine is currently licensed in the USA for this age group. This study assessed the safety and immunogenicity of an investigational quadrivalent meningococcal tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (MenACYW-TT) compared with a meningococcal quadrivalent polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) in this age group. METHODS This was a Phase III, modified double-blind, randomized, non-inferiority study (NCT02842866) across 35 clinical sites in the USA and Puerto Rico in individuals aged ≥56 years. A single dose of the MenACYW-TT (n = 451) or MPSV4 vaccine (n = 455) was administered on Day 0. A serum bactericidal assay with human (hSBA) and baby rabbit (rSBA) complement was used to measure antibodies against serogroups A, C, W, and Y test strains at baseline and Day 30. Safety data were collected up to six months post-vaccination. RESULTS The seroresponse to MenACYW-TT was non-inferior to MPSV4 for each of the serogroups (A: 58.2% vs. 42.5%; C: 77.1% vs. 49.7%; W: 62.6% vs. 44.8%, Y: 74.4% vs. 43.4%, respectively). At Day 30, participants achieving hSBA titers ≥1:8 were higher for all serogroups after MenACYW-TT vs. MPSV4 (77.4-91.7 vs. 63.1-84.2%, respectively). No safety concerns were identified for either vaccine. CONCLUSION MenACYW-TT was well-tolerated and immunogenic in ≥56-year-olds, offering the potential to replace MPSV4 in this age group.
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Rossotti R, Merli M, Cantone M, Moioli MC, Motta D, Orcese C, Pazzi A, Travi G, Vigo BP, Puoti M. Risk factors for community-acquired bacterial meningitis: men who have sex with men (MSM) as a population at risk for meningococcal nasopharyngeal carriage. Infect Dis (Lond) 2019; 51:714-717. [DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2019.1642512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Rossotti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano “Niguarda”, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Merli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano “Niguarda”, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Cantone
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano “Niguarda”, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Moioli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano “Niguarda”, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Motta
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano “Niguarda”, Milan, Italy
| | - Carloandrea Orcese
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano “Niguarda”, Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Pazzi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano “Niguarda”, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Travi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano “Niguarda”, Milan, Italy
| | - Beniamino Piero Vigo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano “Niguarda”, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Puoti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano “Niguarda”, Milan, Italy
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Mulhall RM, Bennett DE, Bratcher HB, Jolley KA, Bray JE, O’Lorcain PP, Cotter SM, Maiden MCJ, Cunney RJ. cgMLST characterisation of invasive Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C and W strains associated with increasing disease incidence in the Republic of Ireland. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216771. [PMID: 31141820 PMCID: PMC6541471 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Since 2013 MenC and MenW disease incidence and associated mortality rates have increased in the Republic of Ireland. From 2002/2003 to 2012/2013, the average annual MenC incidence was 0.08/100,000, which increased to 0.34/100,000 during 2013/2014 to 2017/18, peaking in 2016/17 (0.72/100,000) with an associated case fatality rate (CFR) of 14.7%. MenW disease incidence has increased each year from 0.02/100,000 in 2013/2014, to 0.29/100,000 in 2017/18, with an associated CFR of 28.6%. We aimed to characterise and relate recent MenC isolates to the previously prevalent MenC:cc11 ET-15 clones, and also characterise and relate recent MenW isolates to the novel 'Hajj' clones. METHODS Using WGS we characterised invasive (n = 74, 1997/98 to 2016/17) and carried (n = 16, 2016/17) MenC isolates, and invasive (n = 18, 2010/11 to 2016/17) and carried (n = 15, 2016/17) MenW isolates. Genomes were assembled using VelvethOptimiser and stored on the PubMLST Neisseria Bacterial Isolate Genome Sequence Database. Isolates were compared using the cgMLST approach. RESULTS Most MenC and MenW isolates identified were cc11. A single MenC:cc11 sub-lineage contained the majority (68%, n = 19/28) of recent MenC:cc11 disease isolates and all carried MenC:cc11 isolates, which were interspersed and distinct from the historically significant ET-15 clones. MenW:cc11 study isolates clustered among international examples of both the original UK 2009 MenW:cc11, and novel 2013 MenW:cc11clones. CONCLUSIONS We have shown that the majority of recent MenC disease incidence was caused by strain types distinct from the MenC:cc11 ET-15 clone of the late 1990s, which still circulate but have caused only sporadic disease in recent years. We have identified that the same aggressive MenW clone now established in several other European countries, is endemic in the RoI and responsible for the recent MenW incidence increases. This data informed the National immunisation Advisory Committee, who are currently deliberating a vaccine policy change to protect teenagers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M. Mulhall
- Irish Meningitis and Sepsis Reference Laboratory, Temple Street Children’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Desiree E. Bennett
- Irish Meningitis and Sepsis Reference Laboratory, Temple Street Children’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Holly B. Bratcher
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - Keith A. Jolley
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - James E. Bray
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Martin C. J. Maiden
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J. Cunney
- Irish Meningitis and Sepsis Reference Laboratory, Temple Street Children’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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Ambrosio L, Neri A, Fazio C, Rossolini GM, Vacca P, Riccobono E, Voller F, Miglietta A, Stefanelli P. Genomic analysis of Neisseria meningitidis carriage isolates during an outbreak of serogroup C clonal complex 11, Tuscany, Italy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217500. [PMID: 31136624 PMCID: PMC6538176 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2015–2016, a cross-sectional carriage survey was performed in Tuscany Region, Italy, during an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease due to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C clonal complex 11 (MenC:cc11). This study aims to evaluate the genomic profile of meningococcal carriage isolates collected during the survey. Methods Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed using Illumina MiSeq on 85 cultivated meningococcal carriage isolates received at the Dept. of Infectious Disease, National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS), as National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD). De novo assembled genomes were scanned by the BIGSdb platform to assign: the genotypic profiles, the cgMLST, the vaccine antigen variants and allele types of antimicrobial resistance associated genes, together with denitrification pathway loci. Results Capsule null and non-groupable meningococci accounted for 52.9% and 10.6%, respectively. Among the remaining carriage isolates, serogroup B was the predominant (71.0%). Serogroup C meningococci were culture negative and unavailable for WGS. Overall, 64 genotypic profiles were identified and, based on cgMLST, isolates clustered according to clonal complexes. Eight isolates (9.4%) harbored at least one gene encoding a 4CMenB vaccine antigen. Mutated penA alleles were found in more than 82%. Finally, complete aniA and norB coding sequences were detected among 71.8% of carriage isolates. Conclusions Meningococcal carriage isolates collected during the MenC:cc11 outbreak were characterized by an extensive genetic diversity. The lack of outbreak-related isolates among carriage might be attributable to the high transmissibility with low duration of colonization of MenC:cc11 meningococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigina Ambrosio
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Neri
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Fazio
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Rossolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Riccobono
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Voller
- Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Epidemiologic Observatory, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Miglietta
- Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Epidemiologic Observatory, Florence, Italy
- Units of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Central Tuscany Health Authority, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Stefanelli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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