Abstract
Bacterial meningitis remains an important cause of global morbidity and mortality. Although effective vaccinations exist and are being increasingly used worldwide, bacterial diversity threatens their impact and the ultimate goal of eliminating the disease. Through genomic epidemiology, we can appreciate bacterial population structure and its consequences for transmission dynamics, virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and development of new vaccines. Here, we review what we have learned through genomic epidemiological studies, following the rapid implementation of whole genome sequencing that can help to optimise preventative strategies for bacterial meningitis.
Highlights
Bacterial meningitis describes infection of the subarachnoid space with bacterial pathogens, resulting in inflammation of the brain linings, a condition that causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide
Group B streptococcus is found in the vaginal tract of up to 20% of women, E. coli is found universally in the gut, S. aureus on the skin, and S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, and H. influenzae in the naso/ oropharynx
Persistence of bacterial meningitis despite vaccination The diversity of S. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis challenges the continued success of vaccines and the elimination of bacterial meningitis caused by these organisms
Summary
Bacterial meningitis describes infection of the subarachnoid space with bacterial pathogens, resulting in inflammation of the brain linings (meninges), a condition that causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are likely to be interactions between the host immune system and the microbiota, these are not fully understood, that result in the structured diversity observed in bacterial populations[9] This diversity is found amongst microorganisms of the same species, manifested as distinctive lineages (organisms that share a common ancestor and exhibit genetic similarity) which persist through time. Persistence of bacterial meningitis despite vaccination The diversity of S. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis challenges the continued success of vaccines and the elimination of bacterial meningitis caused by these organisms Both bacteria exhibit high rates of horizontal genetic transfer (HGT) and comprise distinct, non-overlapping genetic lineages with varying degrees of pathogenicity. Genomic epidemiology Genomic epidemiology aims to achieve “systematic investigation of how natural genomic variation affects the clinical outcome of disease”[11] The utility of this methodology in the prevention of bacterial meningitis lies in understanding transmission networks, population structure of bacterial pathogens, and epidemiology. F1000Research 2018, 7(F1000 Faculty Rev):[401] Last updated: 17 JUL 2019 Page 5 of 13
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
