Molecular typing of group B Neisseria meningitidis'subcapsular antigens directly on biological samples demonstrates epidemiological congruence between culture-positive and -negative cases: a surveillance study of invasive disease over a 13-year period.

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) represents a global healthcare concern due to the high case-fatality rate (10-15%) and the high percentage of permanent sequelae among survivors (10-20%) (1). Serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis (MenB) is responsible for the great majority of IMD in high-income countries, accounting for more than half of the cases of IMD in Europe and for more than one third of those in the U.S. (2,3). MenB IMD peak incidence is reported in the first 5 years of life, in particular in the first year, as well as during adolescence (2,3).

Source: Journal of Infection - February 18, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Lorenzo Lodi, Maria Moriondo, Francesco Nieddu, Silvia Ricci, Sara Guiducci, Francesca Lippi, Clementina Canessa, Elisa Calistri, Francesco Citera, Mattia Giovannini, Giuseppe Indolfi, Massimo Resti, Chiara Azzari Source Type: research