Resumo

TORO A, Elsa S et al. Tipificación por Electroforesis en Campo Eléctrico Pulsado (PFGE) de cepas de Neisseria meningitidis, aisladas de un brote de infección meningoccócica en un fuerte militar en Caracas. INHRR [online]. 2005, vol.36, n.1, pp.28-34. ISSN 0798-0477.

Neisseria meningitidis is the causal agent of the Meningococcal Infection (MI). Between August and November of 1997, it happened an epidemic of MI in a military Fort in Caracas, initially for the epidemiological characteristics, it was thought that the epidemic burst could be traced to a particular bacterial strain. In order to corroborate this, we proceeded with the genomic characterization of the isolates by Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). Taking into account the results from PFGE and the analysis by main coordinates, it was possible to come to the conclution that the strains of serogroup “C”, isolated from the clinical cases with moderate resistance to penicillin (CIM=0,25 mg/l), are closely related, but not to the clone level. On the other hand, we did not find any significant or close genetic relation between the strains of serogroup “C” isolated from cases and those isolated from the carriers. Nevertheless, we found a close relation among the strains of serogroup “B”, regardless they were isolated from the cases or the carriers, which was not to the clone lever either. The genetics markers are very useful for the investigation of clinical isolates, provide information about pathogenic strains and their dissemination in the population, allowing to know in depth the epidemiology of the infectious diseases.

Palavras-chave : Neisseria meningitides; Meningococci; Antimicrobial Susceptibility; Meningococcal disease; Meningitis; Serogroup C; Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE).