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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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Honskus M, Krizova P, Okonji Z, Musilek M, Kozakova J. Whole genome analysis of Neisseria meningitidis isolates from invasive meningococcal disease collected in the Czech Republic over 28 years (1993-2020). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282971. [PMID: 36913385 PMCID: PMC10010514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease belongs among the most dangerous infectious diseases in the world. Several polysaccharide conjugate vaccines against serogroups A, C, W and Y are available and two recombinant peptide vaccines against serogroup B (MenB vaccines) have been developed: MenB-4C (Bexsero) and MenB-fHbp (Trumenba). The aim of this study was to define the clonal composition of the Neisseria meningitidis population in the Czech Republic, to determine changes in this population over time and to estimate the theoretical coverage of isolates by MenB vaccines. This study presents the analysis of whole genome sequencing data of 369 Czech N. meningitidis isolates from invasive meningococcal disease covering 28 years. Serogroup B isolates (MenB) showed high heterogeneity and the most common clonal complexes were cc18, cc32, cc35, cc41/44, and cc269. Isolates of clonal complex cc11 were predominately serogroup C (MenC). The highest number of serogroup W isolates (MenW) belonged to clonal complex cc865, which we described as exclusive to the Czech Republic. Our study supports the theory that this cc865 subpopulation originated in the Czech Republic from MenB isolates by a capsule switching mechanism. A dominant clonal complex of serogroup Y isolates (MenY) was cc23, which formed two genetically quite distant subpopulations and which showed constant representation throughout the observed period. The theoretical coverage of isolates by two MenB vaccines was determined using the Meningococcal Deduced Vaccine Antigen Reactivity Index (MenDeVAR). Estimated Bexsero vaccine coverage was 70.6% (for MenB) and 62.2% (for MenC, W, Y). For Trumenba vaccine, estimated coverage was 74.6% (for MenB) and 65.7% (for MenC, W, Y). Our results demonstrated sufficient coverage of Czech heterogeneous population of N. meningitidis with MenB vaccines and, together with surveillance data on invasive meningococcal disease in the Czech Republic, were the basis for updating recommendations for vaccination against invasive meningococcal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Honskus
- National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Krizova
- National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Okonji
- National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Musilek
- National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Kozakova
- National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
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Honskus M, Okonji Z, Musilek M, Krizova P. Whole genome sequencing of Neisseria meningitidis Y isolates collected in the Czech Republic in 1993-2018. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265066. [PMID: 35271677 PMCID: PMC8912901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The study presents the analysis of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y isolates collected in the Czech Republic and their comparison to other countries. The aim of the study was to determine whether there are lineages of N. meningitidis serogroup Y in the Czech Republic genetically related to foreign ones that have been causing an increase of the morbidity and the mortality of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) world-wide recently. Material and methods The WGS data of 43 Czech N. meningitidis Y isolates, 35 from IMD and 8 from healthy carriers were analysed. Due to the potential of meningococcal B vaccines to induce protection against non-B serogroups, the coverage of Czech isolates of N. meningitidis Y by these vaccines was studied. The WGS data of Czech, European and non-European isolates of N. meningitidis serogroup Y were compared. Results WGS assigned 36 isolates of N. meningitidis Y to five clonal complexes: cc23, cc92, cc167, cc103, and cc174, while seven isolates remained unassigned to any clonal complexes (ccUA). Eighteen invasive isolates belonged to clonal complex cc23, which was detected throughout the studied years. The occurrence of cc23 was recorded in all age groups of IMD patients, with the highest found in those aged 15–19 years. On the phylogenetic network isolates of cc23 form a separate lineage, distinct from all other isolates of N. meningitidis Y. The remaining isolates were assigned to other clonal complexes and have very low relatedness to cc23 isolates and to each other. The comparison with foreign WGS data showed that within the main genetic lineages, which are defined by clonal complexes, Czech isolates of N. meningitidis Y, similar to European ones, mostly cluster together and form geographical sublineages. Conclusions WGS analysis showed the population of Czech N. meningitidis Y isolates as relatively heterogeneous, containing a large number of genetic lineages. The Czech isolates of N. meningitidis Y follow the trend observed for European isolates. Our result was one of the bases for updating the recommended vaccination strategy in the Czech Republic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Honskus
- National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Okonji
- National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Musilek
- National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Krizova
- National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
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Gorla MC, Brandao AP, Pinhata JMW, de Moraes C, Pereira G, Lemos AP. Phenotypic characterization of Neisseria meningitidis strains isolated from invasive meningococcal disease in Brazil from 2002 to 2017. Access Microbiol 2019; 2:acmi000079. [PMID: 33062938 PMCID: PMC7525054 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) has a high rate of fatality and may cause severe clinical sequelae. Over the years, the epidemiology of IMD has changed significantly in various regions of the world, and laboratory surveillance of this disease is important for mapping epidemiologic changes. Aim To perform phenotypic characterization of Neisseria meningitidis strains isolated from invasive disease in Brazil from 2002 to 2017, as a complementation of the data obtained in the period of 1990-2001. Methodology In total, 8,689 isolates sent to Adolfo Lutz Institute confirmed as N. meningitidis by conventional methods were serogrouped by slide agglutination against MenA, MenB, MenC, MenE, MenW, MenX, MenY and MenZ; serotyped and serosubtyped by a whole-cell dot-blotting assay with monoclonal antibodies. Results The isolates were sent from all regions of Brazil, and the southeast region was responsible for the largest number of isolates (57.2 %). Overall, the total sample (n=8,689) was represented by serogroups C (n=4,729; 54.4 %), B (n=3,313; 38.1 %), W (n=423; 4.9 %), Y (n=203; 2.3 %), X (n=5; 0.1 %) and others (n=16; 0.2 %). A shift in the prevalence of serogroups was observed in 2006, when serogroup C became the most prevalent (65.5 %), surpassing the serogroup B (21.9 %). The main isolated phenotypes were C:23:P1.14-6; B:4,7:P1.19,15; W:2a:P1.5 and W:2a:P1.5,2. Conclusion The data show an important change in the distribution of meningococcal serogroups, serotypes and subtypes occurring during 2002-2017. A continuous laboratory-based surveillance provides robust information to implement appropriate strategies to IMD control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cecília Gorla
- Bacteriology Department, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 351, São Paulo, CEP 01246-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Angela Pires Brandao
- Bacteriology Department, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 351, São Paulo, CEP 01246-000, SP, Brazil.,Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Av. Brasil, 4365, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Camile de Moraes
- Secretariat of Health Surveillance, Ministry of Health, Esplanada dos Ministérios, Bloco G, Brasília, CEP 70058-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Pereira
- General Coordination of Laboratories, Ministry of Health, Esplanada dos Ministérios, Bloco G, Brasília, CEP 70058-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Lemos
- Bacteriology Department, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 351, São Paulo, CEP 01246-000, SP, Brazil
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Bai X, Borrow R, Bukovski S, Caugant DA, Culic D, Delic S, Dinleyici EC, Eloshvili M, Erdősi T, Galajeva J, Křížová P, Lucidarme J, Mironov K, Nurmatov Z, Pana M, Rahimov E, Savrasova L, Skoczyńska A, Smith V, Taha MK, Titov L, Vázquez J, Yeraliyeva L. Prevention and control of meningococcal disease: Updates from the Global Meningococcal Initiative in Eastern Europe. J Infect 2019; 79:528-541. [PMID: 31682877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2019.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Global Meningococcal Initiative (GMI) aims to prevent invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) worldwide through education, research and cooperation. In March 2019, a GMI meeting was held with a multidisciplinary group of experts and representatives from countries within Eastern Europe. Across the countries represented, IMD surveillance is largely in place, with incidence declining in recent decades and now generally at <1 case per 100,000 persons per year. Predominating serogroups are B and C, followed by A, and cases attributable to serogroups W, X and Y are emerging. Available vaccines differ between countries, are generally not included in immunization programs and provided to high-risk groups only. Available vaccines include both conjugate and polysaccharide vaccines; however, current data and GMI recommendations advocate the use of conjugate vaccines, where possible, due to the ability to interrupt the acquisition of carriage. Ongoing carriage studies are expected to inform vaccine effectiveness and immunization schedules. Additionally, IMD prevention and control should be guided by monitoring outbreak progression and the emergence and international spread of strains and antibiotic resistance through use of genomic analyses and implementation of World Health Organization initiatives. Protection of high-risk groups (such as those with complement deficiencies, laboratory workers, migrants and refugees) is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xilian Bai
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester M13 9WZ, UK.
| | - Ray Borrow
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester M13 9WZ, UK.
| | - Suzana Bukovski
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | - Davor Culic
- Institute for Public Health, Sombor, Serbia.
| | | | | | - Medeia Eloshvili
- National Center for Disease Control & Public Health, Tbilisi, Georgia.
| | - Tímea Erdősi
- National Public Health Center, Budapest, Hungary.
| | | | - Pavla Křížová
- National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czechia.
| | - Jay Lucidarme
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester M13 9WZ, UK.
| | | | - Zuridin Nurmatov
- Scientific and Production Association "Preventive Medicine", Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
| | - Marina Pana
- Cantacuzino National Medico Military Institute for Research Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Larisa Savrasova
- The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia, Riga, Latvia.
| | - Anna Skoczyńska
- National Reference Centre for Bacterial Meningitis, National Medicines Institute, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Vinny Smith
- Meningitis Research Foundation, Bristol, UK.
| | - Muhamed-Kheir Taha
- National Reference Centre for Meningococci, Institute Pasteur, Paris, France.
| | - Leonid Titov
- Republican Research & Practical Center for Epidemiology & Microbiology, Minsk, Belarus.
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Krizova P, Honskus M. Genomic surveillance of invasive meningococcal disease in the Czech Republic, 2015-2017. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219477. [PMID: 31295279 PMCID: PMC6622526 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219477] [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: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The study presents the results of the genomic surveillance of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in the Czech Republic for the period of 2015-2017. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study set includes all available IMD isolates recovered in the Czech Republic and referred to the National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections in 2015-2017, a total of 89 Neissseria meningitidis isolates-from 2015 (n = 20), 2016 (n = 27), and from 2017 (n = 42). All isolates were studied by whole genome sequencing (WGS). RESULTS Serogroup B (MenB) was the most common, followed by serogroups C, W, and Y. Altogether 17 clonal complexes were identified, the most common of which was hypervirulent complex cc11, followed by complexes cc32, cc41/44, cc269, and cc865. Over the three study years, hypervirulent cc11 (MenC) showed an upward trend. The WGS method showed two clearly differentiated clusters of N. meningitidis C: P1.5,2:F3-3:ST-11 (cc11). The first cluster is represented by nine isolates, all of which are from 2017. The second cluster consisted of five isolates from 2016 and eight isolates from 2017. Their genetic discordance is illustrated by the changing nadA allele and subsequently by the variance in BAST type. Clonal complex cc269 (MenB) also increased over the time frame. WGS identified the presence of MenB vaccine antigen genes in all B and non-B isolates of N. meningitidis. Altogether 49 different Bexsero antigen sequence types (BAST) were identified and 10 combinations of these have not been previously described in the PubMLST database. CONCLUSIONS The genomic surveillance of IMD in the Czech Republic provides data needed to update immunisation guidelines for this disease. WGS showed a higher discrimination power and provided more accurate data on molecular characteristics and genetic relationships among invasive N. meningitidis isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavla Krizova
- National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
| | - Michal Honskus
- National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
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