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

• Published in: International microbiology Vol. 26; no. 3; pp. 611 - 618
• Main Authors: Cassiolato, Ana Paula, Camargo, Carlos Henrique, Piccoli Cecconi, Maria Cristina, Christakis, Sandra, Gonçalves, Claudia Regina, Rodrigues Campos, Karoline, Takenori Higa, Fabio, Andrade Pereira, Gabriela, de Moraes, Camile, Silva de Lemos, Ana Paula
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.08.2023; Spanish Society for Microbiology
• Subjects: Applied Microbiology; Biomedical and Life Sciences; COVID-19; Eukaryotic Microbiology; Gene sequencing; Invasive meningococcal disease; Life Sciences; Medical Microbiology; Meningococcal disease; Microbial Ecology; Microbiology; Pandemics; Public health; Vaccines; Viruses; Whole genome sequencing; Brazil; Invasive meningococcal disease; Meningococcal X disease; MenX; serogroup X; Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X
• ISSN: 1618-1905; 1139-6709; 1618-1905
• DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00325-5

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.