Abstract

MARTINEZ R, Dianny et al. Isolation of Invasive Strains of Neisseria meningitides, Serogroups B and Y, in Cumana, 2009-2010. Kasmera [online]. 2012, vol.40, n.1, pp.37-46. ISSN 0075-5222.

Neisseria meningitidis is the causal agent for meningitis and meningococcemia. This research was performed to phenotypically analyze invasive strains of N. meningitidis isolated in Cumana, State of Sucre. The study included all strains identified as N. meningitidis isolated in the bacteriology laboratory at the University Hospital “Antonio Patricio de Alcalá,” during the years 2009-2010, coming from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples and blood cultures. For each isolate, the antimicrobial susceptibility and respective serogroup were determined. During the period of study, 10 strains were analyzed, of which 5 came from CSF. The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that the strains showed sensitivity to penicillin, cefotaxime, meropenem, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol; they were resistant only to trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole. Serogroup B was the most frequent (8 strains); one case of serogroup Y was isolated. Regarding the patient’s ages, of the 10 strains, 8 were found in pediatric patients. This is the first study about strains of N. meningitidis isolated in Cumaná, so it is essential that permanent research regarding the strains isolated in the area is carried out for monitoring purposes, mainly in terms of antimicrobial susceptibility and the circulating serogroups.

Keywords : Neisseria meningitidis; meningitis; meningococcemia; serogroup B; serogroup Y.

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