Trends in serotype distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of invasive Haemophilus influenzae isolates from Brazil, 2009-2021.

INTRODUCTION: Invasive Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) disease poses a significant global health challenge. With the relaxation of COVID-19 pandemic measures and declining H. influenzae serotype b (Hib) vaccination coverage, there is concern about a potential increase in Hi cases worldwide. METHODOLOGY: This study analyzed 1437 invasive Hi isolates in Brazil over 13 years, determining capsular serotypes, antimicrobial susceptibility, and genetic relatedness through multilocus sequence typing. RESULTS: The primary source of isolation for these invasive H. influenzae isolates was blood (54.4%), followed by cerebrospinal fluid (37.1%) and lung specimens (8.5%), respectively. Consequently, bacteremia (47%) was the most common clinical presentation, followed by meningitis (39.6%) and pneumonia (13.4%). Non-encapsulated Hi (NTHi) predominated among the isolates (51.4%), along with serotype a (22%) and serotype b (21.5%) among the encapsulated isolates. The majority of the encapsulated isolates were isolated from children under 14 years of age (76.7%), while NTHi isolates were identified in patients older than 15 years, particularly those ≥ 60 years old (40%). Ampicillin resistance was observed in 17.1% of cases, displaying ß-lactamase production as the principal resistance mechanism. MLST revealed a diverse NTHi population, whereas the encapsulated isolates presented a clonal structure. CONCLUSION: This study describes the prevalence of NTHi isolates circulating in Brazil after two decades of the Hib vaccine immunization program. Continuous universal surveillance is crucial for implementing prompt public health measures to prevent and control invasive Hi disease and monitor changes in antibiotic resistance profiles.

Serotype Distribution and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Streptococcus pneumoniae in COVID-19 Pandemic Era in Brazil.

Despite the introduction of the pneumococcal vaccine, Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a cause of invasive diseases in Brazil. This study provides the distribution of serotypes and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns for pneumococcal isolates before and during the years of the COVID-19 pandemic in two age groups, <5 and ≥50 years. This is a national laboratory-based surveillance study that uses data from the Brazilian national laboratory for invasive S. pneumoniae from the pre-COVID-19 (January 2016 to January 2020) and COVID-19 (February 2020 to May 2022) periods. Antimicrobial resistance was evaluated by disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration. The year 2020 was marked by a 44.6% reduction in isolates received and was followed by an upward trend from 2021 onwards, which became evident in 2022. No differences were observed in serotypes distribution between the studied periods. The COVID-19 period was marked by the high prevalence of serotypes 19A, 3, and 6C in both age groups. Serotypes 19A and 6C were related to non-antimicrobial susceptibility. We observed a reduction in S. pneumoniae, without changes in serotypes distribution and epidemiological capsular switch during the COVID-19 period. We observed elevated resistance rates, mainly to penicillin and ceftriaxone for non-meningitis cases in children under 5 years of age.

Genomic characterization of invasive meningococcal X isolates from Brazil, 1992-2022.

INTRODUCTION: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a major health problem. Given the post-COVID-19 pandemic scenario with the loosening of the non-pharmacological measures to control the virus transmission and considering the observed global reduction of meningococcal vaccination coverage, an increase in IMD cases can be expected. METHODOLOGY: Using whole-genome sequencing, we characterized six Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X (MenX) isolates recovered from IMD cases in Brazil in the last 30 years. RESULTS: The predominance (66.6%, 4/6) of ST2888 presenting fHbp 160, NHBA 129, NadA 21, and PorA 19,15 was found on isolates. Two novel STs, 15458 and 15477, were described. CONCLUSION: This study describes the circulation of MenX lineage ST2888 in Brazil, previously reported only in Europe. Continuous universal surveillance is crucial to implement prompt public health measures aiming to prevent and control non-vaccine preventable serogroup X IMD cases.

Invasive Meningococcal X Disease during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Brazil.

Invasive meningococcal disease persists as a fulminant disorder worldwide. Although cases caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X (MenX) occur infrequently, outbreaks have been reported in countries in Africa in recent decades. We report 2 cases of MenX invasive meningococcal disease in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2021 and 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ex-vivo mucolytic and anti-inflammatory activity of BromAc in tracheal aspirates from COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a lethal disease caused by the pandemic SARS-CoV-2, which continues to be a public health threat. COVID-19 is principally a respiratory disease and is often associated with sputum retention and cytokine storm, for which there are limited therapeutic options. In this regard, we evaluated the use of BromAc®, a combination of Bromelain and Acetylcysteine (NAC). Both drugs present mucolytic effect and have been studied to treat COVID-19. Therefore, we sought to examine the mucolytic and anti-inflammatory effect of BromAc® in tracheal aspirate samples from critically ill COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation. METHOD: Tracheal aspirate samples from COVID-19 patients were collected following next of kin consent and mucolysis, rheometry and cytokine analysis using Luminex kit was performed. RESULTS: BromAc® displayed a robust mucolytic effect in a dose dependent manner on COVID-19 sputum ex vivo. BromAc® showed anti-inflammatory activity, reducing the action of cytokine storm, chemokines including MIP-1alpha, CXCL8, MIP-1b, MCP-1 and IP-10, and regulatory cytokines IL-5, IL-10, IL-13 IL-1Ra and total reduction for IL-9 compared to NAC alone and control. BromAc® acted on IL-6, demonstrating a reduction in G-CSF and VEGF-D at concentrations of 125 and 250 µg. CONCLUSION: These results indicate robust mucolytic and anti-inflammatory effect of BromAc® ex vivo in tracheal aspirates from critically ill COVID-19 patients, indicating its potential to be further assessed as pharmacological treatment for COVID-19.

Emergence of Neisseria meningitidis W South American sublineage strain variant in Brazil: disease and carriage.

Introduction. Invasive meningococcal disease is a major health problem, impacting morbidity and mortality worldwide. Exploratory genomics has revealed insights into adaptation, transmissibility and virulence to elucidate endemic, outbreaks or epidemics caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W (MenW) strains.Gap Statement. Limited information on the genomics of Neisseria meningitis serogroup W ST11/cc11 is available from emerging countries, especially in contemporary isolates.Aim. To (i) describe the antigenic diversity and distribution of genetic lineages of N. meningitidis serogroup W circulating in Brazil; (ii) study the carriage prevalence of hypervirulent clones in adolescents students and (iii) analyse the potential risk factors for meningococcal carriage.Methodology. Using whole-genome sequencing, we analysed the genomic diversity of 92 invasive N. meningitidis serogroup W isolates circulating in Brazil from 2016 to 2019. A cross-sectional survey of meningococcal carriage was conducted in 2019, in the city of Florianópolis, Brazil, among a representative sample of 538 students.Results. A predominance (58.5 %, 41/82) of ST11/cc11 presenting PorB2-144, PorA VR1-5, VR2-2, FetA 1-1, and a novel fHbp peptide 1241 was found on invasive N. meningitidis W isolates, on the other hand, a high diversity of clonal complexes was found among carriage isolates. The overall carriage rate was 7.5 % (40/538). A total of 28 of 538 swab samples collected were culture positive for N. meningitidis, including four serogroup/genogroup B isolates (14.8 %;4/27), 1 serogroup/genogroup Y isolate (3.7 %;1/27), 22 (81.5 %; 22/27) non-groupable isolates. No MenW isolate was identified among carriages isolates.Conclusion. This report describes the emergence of the new MenW ST11/cc11 South America sublineage variant, named here, 2016 strain, carrying a novel fHbp peptide 1241, but its emergence, was not associated with an increased MenW carriage prevalence. Continuous surveillance is necessary to ascertain the role of this sublineage diversification and how its emergence can impact transmission.

Emergence of Neisseria meningitidis W South American sublineage strain variant in Brazil: disease and carriage

Introduction. Invasive meningococcal disease is a major health problem, impacting morbidity and mortality worldwide. Exploratory genomics has revealed insights into adaptation, transmissibility and virulence to elucidate endemic, outbreaks or epidemics caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W (MenW) strains.Gap Statement. Limited information on the genomics of Neisseria meningitis serogroup W ST11/cc11 is available from emerging countries, especially in contemporary isolates.Aim. To (i) describe the antigenic diversity and distribution of genetic lineages of N. meningitidis serogroup W circulating in Brazil; (ii) study the carriage prevalence of hypervirulent clones in adolescents students and (iii) analyse the potential risk factors for meningococcal carriage.Methodology. Using whole-genome sequencing, we analysed the genomic diversity of 92 invasive N. meningitidis serogroup W isolates circulating in Brazil from 2016 to 2019. A cross-sectional survey of meningococcal carriage was conducted in 2019, in the city of Florianópolis, Brazil, among a representative sample of 538 students.Results. A predominance (58.5 %, 41/82) of ST11/cc11 presenting PorB2-144, PorA VR1-5, VR2-2, FetA 1-1, and a novel fHbp peptide 1241 was found on invasive N. meningitidis W isolates, on the other hand, a high diversity of clonal complexes was found among carriage isolates. The overall carriage rate was 7.5 % (40/538). A total of 28 of 538 swab samples collected were culture positive for N. meningitidis, including four serogroup/genogroup B isolates (14.8 %;4/27), 1 serogroup/genogroup Y isolate (3.7 %;1/27), 22 (81.5 %; 22/27) non-groupable isolates. No MenW isolate was identified among carriages isolates.Conclusion. This report describes the emergence of the new MenW ST11/cc11 South America sublineage variant, named here, 2016 strain, carrying a novel fHbp peptide 1241, but its emergence, was not associated with an increased MenW carriage prevalence. Continuous surveillance is necessary to ascertain the role of this sublineage diversification and how its emergence can impact transmission.

Looking beyond meningococcal B with the 4CMenB vaccine: the Neisseria effect.

Infections with Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae have different clinical manifestations, but the bacteria share up to 80-90% genome sequence identity. The recombinant meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccine 4CMenB consists of four antigenic components that can be present in non-B meningococcal and gonococcal strains. This comprehensive review summarizes scientific evidence on the genotypic and phenotypic similarities between vaccine antigens and their homologs expressed by non-B meningococcal and gonococcal strains. It also includes immune responses of 4CMenB-vaccinated individuals and effectiveness and impact of 4CMenB against these strains. Varying degrees of strain coverage were estimated depending on the non-B meningococcal serogroup and antigenic repertoire. 4CMenB elicits immune responses against non-B meningococcal serogroups and N. gonorrhoeae. Real-world evidence showed risk reductions of 69% for meningococcal serogroup W clonal complex 11 disease and 40% for gonorrhea after 4CMenB immunization. In conclusion, functional antibody activity and real-world evidence indicate that 4CMenB has the potential to provide some protection beyond MenB disease.

Leukaemic infiltration in the oral and maxillofacial region: An update.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to integrate the available data published on leukaemic infiltration in the oral and maxillofacial region into a comprehensive analysis of its clinical manifestations, imaginological characteristics, management and survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search with no publication date restriction was undertaken in October 2020 in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase. Overall survival was calculated by survival analysis with the Kaplan-Meier test. A critical appraisal of included articles was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. RESULTS: A total of 63 studies including 68 patients were selected for data extraction. The most common haematologic diagnosis was acute myeloid leukaemia (47%). The most affected individuals were 40 to 49 years old (20.9%). The male-to-female ratio was 1.2:1. The gingiva was the most affected site (37%). Swelling/mass/oedema (33.7%) and enlargement/hyperplasia/hypertrophy (25.5%) were the main clinical findings. Osteolytic lesions with bone destruction were the main imaginological characteristics among the reported cases. Follow-up was available for 36 patients. Overall, within the 21-month follow-up, the survival probability dropped to 14.3%. CONCLUSION: A considerable number of studies reported oral manifestations mainly in individuals with the acute form of leukaemia. Children and adults were affected, but the fifth decade of life was the most common. Dentists should be vigilant since these manifestations may be important for a diagnosis and for the monitoring of the treatment response and recurrence of haematological neoplasia.

Emergence of MDR invasive Neisseria meningitidis in El Salvador, 2017-19.

BACKGROUND: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is an acute, highly transmissible and potentially fatal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Prompt antimicrobial therapy and prophylaxis are recommended, where penicillin or ciprofloxacin are the available choices. However, the emergence of resistant isolates of N. meningitidis poses a challenge for antimicrobial therapy. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical, epidemiological and biological characteristics of six penicillin- and ciprofloxacin-resistant, culture-confirmed IMD cases reported in El Salvador, Central America, between 2017 and 2019. METHODS: Following the detection of six patients presenting with IMD in El Salvador, clinical data were collected and epidemiological action plans conducted. Isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by broth microdilution and WGS for genotyping and molecular characterization analysis, including phylogeny comparison with global sequences available from public databases. RESULTS: A total of six IMD cases caused by N. meningitidis serogroup Y, resistant to both penicillin (MIC >8.0 mg/L) and ciprofloxacin (MIC 0.125 mg/L), were detected from 2017 to 2019. Genomic analysis showed that penicillin resistance was mediated by the production of ß-lactamase ROB-1. Ciprofloxacin resistance was attributed to an amino acid substitution in DNA gyrase (T91I). All isolates were classified as ST3587, clonal complex 23, and were genetically highly similar, based on core-genome SNP analysis. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, we report the first cases of MDR N. meningitidis causing IMD in Latin America. Our findings highlight the emergence of this potential public health threat, with a profound impact on the efficacy of IMD treatment and prophylaxis protocols.

Comparative performances of seven quantitative Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction assays (RT-qPCR) for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection in samples from individuals suspected of COVID-19 in São Paulo, Brazil.

Introduction: Brazil is the second largest country with COVID-19 positive cases worldwide. Due to the potent spread of the virus and the scarcity of kits and supplies, the Brazilian Ministry of Health has granted authorization for the use of kits available during this emergency, without an accurate evaluation of their performance. This study compared the performance and cost-effectiveness of seven molecular assays/kits available in São Paulo, Brazil, for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. Materials and methods: A total of 205 nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal samples from suspected cases of COVID-19, were tested using the following assays: (i) GeneFinder COVID-19 plus RealAmp kit; (ii) 2019-nCoV RNA PCR-Fluorescence Probing, Da An Gene Co.; (iii) in-house RT-qPCR SARS-CoV-2 IAL; (iv) 2019-nCoV kit, IDT; (v) molecular SARS-CoV-2 (E) kit, Bio-Manguinhos; (vi) Allplex 2019-nCoV modified Assay, Seegene Inc, and (vii) Biomol one-step COVID-19 kit, IBMP. The criteria for determining a SARS-CoV-2 true positive result included the cycle threshold cut-off values, the characteristics of exponential/linear curves, the gene target diversity, and a positive result in at least two assays. Results: The overall sensitivity of the assays listed were GeneFinder 83.6%, Da An Gene 100.0%, IAL 90.4%, IDT 94.6%, Bio-Manguinhos 87.7%, Allplex 97.3%, and IBMP 87.7%. The minor sensitive gene target was RdRP. Although all assays had a Cohen's Kappa index ≥0.893, the best tests used multiplex assays identifying N-gene and/or E-gene targets. Conclusion: All assays tested accurate for diagnosis, but considering cost-effectiveness (cost, time consumption, number of samples tested, and performance), the in-house IAL assay was ideal for COVID-19 diagnosis in São Paulo, Brazil.

4CMenB Immunization Induces Serum Bactericidal Antibodies Against Non-Serogroup B Meningococcal Strains in Adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is an important public health concern. In developed countries, most IMD is caused by meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) and two protein-based MenB vaccines are currently available: the four-component vaccine 4CMenB (Bexsero, GSK) and the bivalent vaccine MenB-FHbp (Trumenba, Pfizer). Genes encoding the 4CMenB vaccine antigens are also present in strains belonging to other meningococcal serogroups. METHODS: To evaluate the potential of 4CMenB vaccination to protect adolescents against non-MenB IMD, we tested the bactericidal activity of sera from immunized adolescents on 147 (127 European and 20 Brazilian) non-MenB IMD isolates, with a serum bactericidal antibody assay using human complement (hSBA). Serum pools were prepared using samples from randomly selected participants in various clinical trials, pre- and post-vaccination: 12 adolescents who received two doses of 4CMenB 2 months apart, and 10 adolescents who received a single dose of a MenACWY conjugate vaccine (as positive control). RESULTS: 4CMenB pre-immune sera killed 7.5% of the 147 non-MenB isolates at hSBA titers ≥ 1:4. In total, 91 (61.9%) tested isolates were killed by post-dose 2 pooled sera at hSBA titers ≥ 1:4, corresponding to 44/80 (55.0%) MenC, 26/35 (74.3%) MenW, and 21/32 (65.6%) MenY isolates killed. CONCLUSION: 4CMenB vaccination in adolescents induces bactericidal killing of non-MenB isolates, suggesting that mass vaccination could impact IMD due to serogroups other than MenB.

Comparative performances of seven quantitative Reverse - Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction assays (RT-qPCR) for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection in samples from individuals suspected of COVID-19 in São Paulo, Brazil

Introduction Brazil is the second largest country with COVID-19 positive cases worldwide. Due to the potent spread of the virus and the scarcity of kits and supplies, the Brazilian Ministry of Health has granted authorization for the use of kits available during this emergency, without an accurate evaluation of their performance. This study compared the performance and cost-effectiveness of seven molecular assays/kits available in São Paulo, Brazil, for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis Materials and methods A total of 205 nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal samples from suspected cases of COVID-19, were tested using the following assays: (i) GeneFinder COVID-19 plus RealAmp kit; (ii) 2019-nCoV RNA PCR-Fluorescence Probing, Da An Gene Co.; (iii) in-house RT-qPCR SARS-CoV-2 IAL; (iv) 2019-nCoV kit, IDT; (v) molecular SARS-CoV-2 (E) kit, Bio-Manguinhos; (vi) Allplex 2019-nCoV modified Assay, Seegene Inc, and (vii) Biomol one-step COVID-19 kit, IBMP. The criteria for determining a SARS-CoV-2 true positive result included the cycle threshold cut-off values, the characteristics of exponential/linear curves, the gene target diversity, and a positive result in at least two assays Results The overall sensitivity of the assays listed were GeneFinder 83.6%, Da An Gene 100.0%, IAL 90.4%, IDT 94.6%, Bio-Manguinhos 87.7%, Allplex 97.3%, and IBMP 87.7%. The minor sensitive gene target was RdRP. Although all assays had a Cohen's Kappa index ≥0.893, the best tests used multiplex assays identifying N-gene and/or E-gene targets Conclusion All assays tested accurate for diagnosis, but considering cost-effectiveness (cost, time consumption, number of samples tested, and performance), the in-house IAL assay was ideal for COVID-19 diagnosis in São Paulo, Brazil.

Genomic surveillance of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B invasive strains: Diversity of vaccine antigen types, Brazil, 2016-2018.

BACKGROUND: Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B remains a prominent cause of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Brazil. Because two novel protein-based vaccines against serogroup B are available, the main purpose of this study was to provide data on the diversity and distribution of meningococcal vaccine antigen types circulating in Brazil. METHODOLOGY: Genetic lineages, vaccine antigen types, and allele types of antimicrobial-associated resistance genes based on whole-genome sequencing of a collection of 145 Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B invasive strains recovered in Brazil from 2016 to 2018 were collected. RESULTS: A total of 11 clonal complexes (ccs) were identified among the 145 isolates, four of which were predominant, namely, cc461, cc35, cc32, and cc213, accounting for 72.0% of isolates. The most prevalent fHbp peptides were 24 (subfamily A/variant 2), 47 (subfamily A/variant 3), 1 (subfamily B/variant 1) and 45 (subfamily A/variant 3), which were predominantly associated with cc35, cc461, cc32, and cc213, respectively. The NadA peptide was detected in only 26.2% of the isolates. The most frequent NadA peptide 1 was found almost exclusively in cc32. We found seven NHBA peptides that accounted for 74.5% of isolates, and the newly described peptide 1390 was the most prevalent peptide exclusively associated with cc461. Mutated penA alleles were detected in 56.5% of the isolates, whereas no rpoB and gyrA mutant alleles were found. CONCLUSION: During the study period, changes in the clonal structure of circulating strains were observed, without a predominance of a single hyperinvasive lineage, indicating that an epidemiologic shift has occurred that led to a diversity of vaccine antigen types in recent years in Brazil.

Phenotypic characterization of Neisseria meningitidis strains isolated from invasive meningococcal disease in Brazil from 2002 to 2017.

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.

Multicomponent meningococcal serogroup B vaccination elicits cross-reactive immunity in infants against genetically diverse serogroup C, W and Y invasive disease isolates.

BACKGROUND: The multicomponent meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB) is currently indicated for active immunization against invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MenB). However, genes encoding the 4CMenB antigens are also variably present and expressed in strains belonging to other meningococcal serogroups. In this study, we evaluated the ability of antibodies raised by 4CMenB immunisation to induce complement-mediated bactericidal killing of non-MenB strains. METHODS: A total of 227 invasive non-MenB disease isolates were collected between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008 from England and Wales, France, and Germany; 41 isolates were collected during 2012 from Brazil. The isolates were subjected to genotypic analyses. A subset of 147 isolates (MenC, MenW and MenY) representative of the meningococcal genetic diversity of the total sample were tested in the human complement serum bactericidal antibody assay (hSBA) using sera from infants immunised with 4CMenB. RESULTS: Serogroup and clonal complex repertoires of non-MenB isolates were different for each country. For the European panel, MenC, MenW and MenY isolates belonged mainly to ST-11, ST-22 and ST-23 complexes, respectively. For the Brazilian panel, most MenC and MenW isolates belonged to the ST-103 and ST-11 complexes, respectively, and most MenY isolates were not assigned to clonal complexes. Of the 147 non-MenB isolates, 109 were killed in hSBA, resulting in an overall coverage of 74%. CONCLUSION: This is the first study in which 147 non-MenB serogroup isolates have been analysed in hSBA to evaluate the potential of a MenB vaccine to cover strains belonging to other serogroups. These data demonstrate that antibodies raised by 4CMenB are able to induce bactericidal killing of 109 non-MenB isolates, representative of non-MenB genetic and geographic diversity. These findings support previous evidence that 4CMenB immunisation can provide cross-protection against non-MenB strains in infants, which represents an added benefit of 4CMenB vaccination.

Two Cases of Newly Characterized Neisseria Species, Brazil.

We describe 2 human cases of infection with a new Neisseria species (putatively N. brasiliensis), 1 of which involved bacteremia. Genomic analyses found that both isolates were distinct strains of the same species, were closely related to N. iguanae, and contained a capsule synthesis operon similar to N. meningitidis.

Nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus in a Brazilian elderly cohort.

We aimed to investigate the nasopharyngeal colonization (NPC) by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus in the elderly population and to assess the demographic factors associated with NPC. This was an observational cohort study in which outpatients aged ≥60 years were enrolled from April to August 2017, with a follow-up visit from September through December 2017. Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs were collected, bacteria were detected and isolated, and isolates were subjected to phenotypic and molecular characterization using standard microbiological techniques. At enrolment, the rates of S. aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), H. influenzae, and S. pneumoniae among 776 elderly outpatients were 15.9%, 2.3%, 2.5%, and 2.2%, respectively. Toxin production was detected in 21.1% of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus, and three SCCmec types were identified: II/IIb, IVa, and VI. At the follow-up visit, all carriage rates were similar (p > 0.05) to the rates at enrolment. Most of S. pneumoniae serotypes were not included in pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs), except for 7F, 3, and 19A. All strains of H. influenzae were non-typeable. Previous use of antibiotics and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination (p < 0.05) were risk factors for S. aureus and MRSA carriage; S. aureus colonization was also associated with chronic kidney disease (p = 0.021). S. pneumoniae carriage was associated with male gender (p = 0.032) and an absence of diabetes (p = 0.034), while not receiving an influenza vaccine (p = 0.049) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.031) were risk factors for H. influenzae colonization. The frailty of study participants was not associated with colonization status. We found a higher S. aureus carriage rate compared with the S. pneumoniae- and H. influenzae-carriage rates in a well-attended population in a geriatric outpatient clinic. This is one of the few studies conducted in Brazil that can support future colonization studies among elderly individuals.

Long-term effect of 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae in children in Brazil.

Brazil introduced the 10-valent pneumococcal vaccine (PCV10) to the routine national immunization program (NIP) in March 2010. In 2017, we investigated the effects of PCV10 on nasopharyngeal carriage of vaccine-types (VT) and non-vaccine-types (NVT) of Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) among children living in São Paulo city. We also compared the prevalence of VT and NVT with previous carriage surveys performed in 2010 (baseline) and 2013. METHOD: The carriage survey was conducted among 531 children, aged 12 months to <24 months, recruited from public Primary Health Units during the immunization campaign, using previous surveys methodology, except for qPCR, which was performed in the 2017 survey only. RESULTS: No statistical difference was found in the prevalence of Spn either by culture (59.7%) or by qPCR (61.2%). Spn carriage increased from 40.3% (baseline) to 59.7% (2017 survey) (p < 0.001). Colonization by VT isolates significantly decreased by 90.9% (19.8-1.8%) and 95.5% (19.8-0.9%) in the 2013 and 2017 surveys, respectively, compared to that at baseline. NVT isolates increased significantly by 128% (19.6-44.8%) and 185% (19.6-55.9%) in the respective post-PCV10 surveys, most led to high prevalence of serotypes 6C (27%), 15B (9.8%), 19A (9.2%), 15A (6.0%), and 16F (5.7%). In 2017, reduction in serotype 6A (4.2-0.6%, p < 0.001) and increase in serotype 19A (1.8-6.0%, p = 0.001) were found; serotype 3 isolate was not detected in the present survey. We identified the emergence of 19A isolates CC320, associated with high penicillin (MIC ≥ 2.0 mg/L) and cefotaxime (MIC ≥ 1.0 mg/L) values. CONCLUSION: After 7 years of PCV10 introduction in the NIP, colonization by VT among toddlers decreased substantially to a residual level, along with substantial serotype replacement by novel serotypes not present in any current conjugated pneumococcal vaccine and serotype 19A. The present findings can assist policy decisions in Brazil.