Year: 2016
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Neisseria meningitidis, together with the non-pathogenic Neisseria species (NPNs), are members of the complex microbiota of the human pharynx. This paper investigates the influence of NPNs on the epidemiology of meningococcal infection. METHODS: Neisseria isolates were collected during 18 surveys conducted in six countries in the African meningitis belt between 2010 and 2012 and characterized at the rplF locus to determine species and at the variable region of the fetA antigen gene. Prevalence and risk factors for carriage were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 4694 isolates of Neisseria were obtained from 46,034 pharyngeal swabs, a carriage prevalence of 10.2% (95% CI, 9.8-10.5). Five Neisseria species were identified, the most prevalent NPN being Neisseria lactamica. Six hundred and thirty-six combinations of rplF/fetA_VR alleles were identified, each defined as a Neisseria strain type. There was an inverse relationship between carriage of N. meningitidis and of NPNs by age group, gender and season, whereas carriage of both N. meningitidis and NPNs was negatively associated with a recent history of meningococcal vaccination. CONCLUSION: Variations in the prevalence of NPNs by time, place and genetic type may contribute to the particular epidemiology of meningococcal disease in the African meningitis belt.
Source: Journal of Infection
Authors: Kanny Diallo, Caroline Trotter, Youssouf Timbine, Boubou Tamboura, Samba O. Sow, Bassira Issaka, Ibrahim D. Dano, Jean-Marc Collard, Marietou Dieng, Aldiouma Diallo, Adane Mihret, Oumer A. Ali, Abraham Aseffa, Stephen L. Quaye, Akalifa Bugri, Isaac Osei, Kadidja Gamougam, Lodoum Mbainadji, Doumagoum M. Daugla, Galadima Gadzama, Zailani B. Sambo, Babatunji A. Omotara, Julia S. Bennett, Lisa S. Rebbetts, Eleanor R. Watkins, Maria Nascimento, Arouna Woukeu, Olivier Manigart, Ray Borrow, James M. Stuart, Brian M. Greenwood, Martin C.J. Maiden
Institutions: University of Oxford, Centre Pour le Développement des Vaccins-Mali, University of Cambridge, Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Navrongo Health Research Centre, Centre de Support en Santé Internationale, University of Maiduguri, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Public Health England
Language: English
Subfield: Microbiology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,465
OpenAlex ID: W2311616258