RESUMO
We report a cluster of serogroup B invasive meningococcal disease identified via genomic surveillance in older adults in England and describe the public health responses. Genomic surveillance is critical for supporting public health investigations and detecting the growing threat of serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis infections in older adults.
Assuntos
Infecções Meningocócicas , Neisseria meningitidis Sorogrupo B , Humanos , Inglaterra/epidemiologia , Idoso , Infecções Meningocócicas/epidemiologia , Infecções Meningocócicas/microbiologia , Neisseria meningitidis Sorogrupo B/genética , Neisseria meningitidis Sorogrupo B/isolamento & purificação , Masculino , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Genômica/métodos , Feminino , História do Século XXI , Genoma Bacteriano , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), caused by infection with the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, usually manifests as meningitis or septicemia and can be severe and life-threatening (1). Six serogroups (A, B, C, W, X, and Y) account for most cases (2). N. meningitidis is transmitted person-to-person via respiratory droplets and oropharyngeal secretions. Asymptomatic persons can carry N. meningitidis and transmit the bacteria to others, potentially causing illness among susceptible persons. Outbreaks can occur in conjunction with large gatherings (3,4). Vaccines are available to prevent meningococcal disease. Antibiotic prophylaxis for close contacts of infected persons is critical to preventing secondary cases (2).