Abstract
BackgroundInvasive meningococcal disease (IMD) persists in military units in Vietnam despite the availability of antibiotics and vaccines. A hindrance to reducing the incidence of IMD in Vietnam is a lack of molecular data from isolates of the causative agent, Neisseria meningitidis from this country. Here, we characterized key genetic and epidemiological features of an invasive N. meningitidis isolate from a military unit in Vietnam using whole-genome sequencing.MethodsNeisseria meningitidis was isolated from a conscript admitted for meningitis and tested against seven antibiotics. DNA from the isolate was extracted and sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq platform. Denovo assembly and scaffolding were performed to construct a draft genome assembly, from which genes were predicted and functionally annotated. Genome analysis included epidemiological characterization, genomic composition and identification of antibiotic resistance genes.ResultsSusceptibility testing of the isolate showed high levels of resistance to chloramphenicol and diminished susceptibility to ampicillin and rifampicin. A draft genome of ~ 2.1 Mb was assembled, containing 2451 protein coding sequences, 49 tRNAs and 3 rRNAs. Fifteen coding sequences sharing ≥ 84% identity with known antibiotic resistance genes were identified. Genome analysis revealed abundant repetitive DNAs and two prophages. Epidemiological typing revealed newly described sequence type, antigenic finetype and Bexsero® Antigen Sequence Typing (BAST). The BAST profile showed no coverage by either Bexsero® or Trumenba®.ConclusionsOur results present the first genome assembly of an invasive N. meningitidis isolate from a military unit in Vietnam. This study illustrates the usefulness of whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis for epidemiological and antibiotic resistance studies and surveillance of IMD in Vietnam.
Highlights
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) persists in military units in Vietnam despite the availability of antibiotics and vaccines
In this study, we have described and analyzed for the first time the genome of a drug-resistant invasive N. meningitidis B isolate from a military unit in Vietnam
This isolate, designated DuyDNT, showed the highest MIC (256 μg/ml) against chloramphenicol known to date, while displaying diminished susceptibility toward ampicillin and rifampicin, the latter is still widely used for prophylaxis in numerous clinical units in Vietnam
Summary
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) persists in military units in Vietnam despite the availability of antibiotics and vaccines. The drug of choice for treatment of IMD used to be penicillin and chloramphenicol [9], due to resistance to these and some other antibiotics [10], third-generation cephalosporins, such as ceftriaxone and cefotaxime, are the most common choice of treatment. These drugs, are often not readily available in many medical units in Vietnam
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