Serogrouping of non-interpretable Neisseria meningitidis carriage strains, using rapid diagnostic tests

Abstract

Large-scale Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) carriage studies in Africa are hampered by the lack of easy-to-perform and reliable methods for serogrouping strains that are largely polyagglutinable or autoagglutinable isolates using the conventional agglutination method. We tested the recently developed duplex rapid diagnostic tests (RDT1 Nm A and Y/W135, RDT2 Nm C and Y) for the serogrouping of 55 non-interpretable carriage strains. Thirteen (23.6%) could be serogrouped, of which nine were serogroup W135. Rapid diagnostic tests are a useful and efficient tool for the identification and serogrouping of Nm for carriage studies.

Analysing Spatio-Temporal Clustering of Meningococcal Meningitis Outbreaks in Niger Reveals Opportunities for Improved Disease Control

“…The spatial clusters detected in our study were located in different HCCAs from year to year, but nine of the 42 districts were more recurrently affected by clustering of MM cases. Thus, these findings provide approaches to better adjust allocation of resources, including a ready supply of antibiotics and rapid diagnostic tests [24], [25], as well as additional health care personnel. In order to reduce the reaction time of the vaccination, one may consider allocating vaccines to these districts' hospitals prior to the meningitis season, provided the cold chain can be maintained.…”