Characterization of Carriage Isolates of Neisseria meningitides in the Adolescents and Young Adults Population of Bogota (Colombia).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Meningococcal carriage studies are important to improve our understanding of the epidemiology of meningococcal disease. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of meningococcal carriage and the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of isolates collected from a sample of students in the city of Bogotá, Colombia.

Materials and methods

A total of 1459 oropharyngeal samples were collected from students aged 15-21 years attending secondary schools and universities. Swabs were plated on a Thayer Martin agar and N. meningitidis was identified by standard microbiology methods and PCR.

Results

The overall carriage prevalence was 6.85%. Carriage was associated with cohabitation with smokers, and oral sex practices. Non-groupable and serogroup Y isola

SUBMITTER: Moreno J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4556189 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature