The importance of microbiology reference laboratories and adequate funding for infectious disease surveillance.

Microbiology reference laboratories perform a crucial role within public health systems. This role was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this Viewpoint, we emphasise the importance of microbiology reference laboratories and highlight the types of digital data and expertise they provide, which benefit national and international public health.

Whole genome analysis of Neisseria meningitidis isolates from invasive meningococcal disease collected in the Czech Republic over 28 years (1993-2020).

Invasive meningococcal disease belongs among the most dangerous infectious diseases in the world. Several polysaccharide conjugate vaccines against serogroups A, C, W and Y are available and two recombinant peptide vaccines against serogroup B (MenB vaccines) have been developed: MenB-4C (Bexsero) and MenB-fHbp (Trumenba). The aim of this study was to define the clonal composition of the Neisseria meningitidis population in the Czech Republic, to determine changes in this population over time and to estimate the theoretical coverage of isolates by MenB vaccines.

Whole genome sequencing of Neisseria meningitidis Y isolates collected in the Czech Republic in 1993-2018.

Introduction: The study presents the analysis of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y isolates collected in the Czech Republic and their comparison to other countries. The aim of the study was to determine whether there are lineages of N. meningitidis serogroup Y in the Czech Republic genetically related to foreign ones that have been causing an increase of the morbidity and the mortality of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) world-wide recently.

Characterization of Strains with Non-Enzymatic Resistance to β-Lactam Antibiotics Caused by Mutations in the PBP3 Gene in the Czech Republic in 2010-2018.

The surveillance data on antibiotic resistance of have shown that strains with non-enzymatic resistance to β-lactam antibiotics have been on the rise in the Czech Republic over the last decade. This type of resistance is more difficult to detect than β-lactamase production. Analysis of 228 strains revealed that isolates with non-enzymatic resistance to β-lactams due to mutations in the gene could be reliably demonstrated by single run testing of susceptibility to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (sensitivity of detection is 84.

The first case of Planococcus glaciei found in blood, a report from the Czech Republic.

The isolation of Planococcus glaciei (designed strain CNCTC 7660) from blood of a patient with appendicitis is reported. Species P. glaciei (type strain CGMCC 1.

Changes in the incidence of invasive disease due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis during the COVID-19 pandemic in 26 countries and territories in the Invasive Respiratory Infection Surveillance Initiative: a prospective analysis of surveillance data.

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis, which are typically transmitted via respiratory droplets, are leading causes of invasive diseases, including bacteraemic pneumonia and meningitis, and of secondary infections subsequent to post-viral respiratory disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of invasive disease due to these pathogens during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: In this prospective analysis of surveillance data, laboratories in 26 countries and territories across six continents submitted data on cases of invasive disease due to S pneumoniae, H influenzae, and N meningitidis from Jan 1, 2018, to May, 31, 2020, as part of the Invasive Respiratory Infection Surveillance (IRIS) Initiative.

Antibiotic Resistance, Typing and Clonal Analysis of Methicillin-Resistant (MRSA) Isolates from Blood of Patients Hospitalized in the Czech Republic.

is one of the major causes of bloodstream infections. The aim of our study was to characterize methicillin-resistant (MRSA) isolates from blood of patients hospitalized in the Czech Republic between 2016 and 2018. All MRSA strains were tested for antibiotic susceptibility, analyzed by typing and clustered using a Based Upon Repeat Pattern (BURP) algorithm.

Spread of Linezolid-Resistant spp. in Human Clinical Isolates in the Czech Republic.

The aim of this study was to map and investigate linezolid resistance mechanisms in linezolid-resistant enterococci in the Czech Republic from 2009 to 2019. Altogether, 1442 isolates of and were examined in the National Reference Laboratory for Antibiotics. Among them, 8% of isolates ( = 115) were resistant to linezolid (/ = 106, / = 9).

Whole genome sequencing of macrolide resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A sequence type 416.

Background: The resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae to macrolides is becoming an increasingly important issue and thus it is important to understand the genetics related to adaptation of this species to the widespread use of antibiotics in Europe. The 58 isolates of S. pneumoniae belonging to sequence type (ST) 416 and serotype 19A and to several different phenotypes originated from Italy, Portugal and Czech Republic were thus sequenced on Illumina MiSeq.

Phenotype and Genotype Characteristics of Resistant to Methicillin/Oxacillin Carrying Gene in the Czech Republic from 2002 to 2017.

The aim of this study was to detect and characterize isolates of methicillin-/oxacillin-resistant (MRSA) carrying gene (MRSA/) and occurring in the Czech Republic within the period from 2002 to 2017. Altogether, 18 from 3,472 isolates of MRSA were positive (0.52%).

The association of pili with the emergence and replacement of the major antibiotic resistant pneumococcal clones.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of pilus islet 1 (PI-1) and to determine its clade type in pneumococcal isolates with reduced susceptibility to penicillin (penicillin non-susceptible pneumococci - PNSP) and/or resistant to macrolides isolated prior to and after the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) in the Czech Republic.

Methods: Clinical isolates of serotypes 9V (n = 68) and 19A (n = 89) were examined. Isolates were characterised by multilocus sequence typing (MLST).

Increase of invasive meningococcal serogroup W disease in Europe, 2013 to 2017.

BackgroundThe total incidence of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Europe has been declining in recent years; however, a rising incidence due to serogroup W (MenW), predominantly sequence type 11 (ST-11), clonal complex 11 (cc11), was reported in some European countries.AimThe aim of this study was to compile the most recent laboratory surveillance data on MenW IMD from several European countries to assess recent trends in Europe.MethodsIn this observational, retrospective study, IMD surveillance data collected from 2013-17 by national reference laboratories and surveillance units from 13 European countries were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of enteroviral meningitis in children, including qRT-PCR and sequencing analysis.

Aims: Enteroviruses (EVs) are the most common agents of aseptic meningitis. Some serotypes can cause serious neuroinfection leading to death. The aim of this study was to determine the representation of EVs in the etiology of aseptic meningitis in children and to analyze the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological characteristics of patients with EV meningitis.

Whole genome sequencing of Neisseria meningitidis W isolates from the Czech Republic recovered in 1984-2017.

Introduction: The study presents the analysis of whole genome sequence (WGS) data for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W isolates recovered in the Czech Republic in 1984-2017 and their comparison with WGS data from other countries.

Material And Methods: Thirty-one Czech N. meningitidis W isolates, 22 from invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and nine from healthy carriers were analysed.

Molecular characterization of serogroup 19 in the Czech Republic in the post-vaccine era.

The aim of this study was to characterize serogroup 19 isolates resistant to macrolides and/or penicillin found among pneumococci recovered from cases of invasive and respiratory tract disease in the Czech Republic in 2014. Pneumococcal isolates of serotypes 19A (=26) and 19F (=10) that were non-susceptible to penicillin and/or macrolides and had been collected in 2014 were analysed using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Four isolates representing the major clones were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS).

Predicting the Susceptibility of Meningococcal Serogroup B Isolates to Bactericidal Antibodies Elicited by Bivalent rLP2086, a Novel Prophylactic Vaccine.

Bivalent rLP2086 (Trumenba), a vaccine for prevention of serogroup B (NmB) disease, was licensed for use in adolescents and young adults after it was demonstrated that it elicits antibodies that initiate complement-mediated killing of invasive NmB isolates in a serum bactericidal assay with human complement (hSBA). The vaccine consists of two factor H binding proteins (fHBPs) representing divergent subfamilies to ensure broad coverage. Although it is the surrogate of efficacy, an hSBA is not suitable for testing large numbers of strains in local laboratories.

Serogroup and Clonal Characterization of Czech Invasive Neisseria meningitidis Strains Isolated from 1971 to 2015.

Background: This study presents antigenic and genetic characteristics of Neisseria meningitidis strains recovered from invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in the Czech Republic in 1971-2015.

Material And Methods: A total of 1970 isolates from IMD, referred to the National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections in 1971-2015, were studied. All isolates were identified and characterized by conventional biochemical and serological tests.

[Epidemiology, etiology and clinical picture of enteroviral meningitis in children in South Moravia].

Objectives: Enteroviruses (EVs) are the most common cause of aseptic viral meningitis. In some cases, they can cause severe meningoencephalitis and acute flaccid paralysis - an association with some virulent serotypes. The objectives were to describe the epidemiological situation of EV meningitis in children in South Moravia, to elucidate the etiology including the incidence of virulent serotypes and to evaluate the clinical presentation.

[Invasive meningococcal disease in the Czech Republic - analysis of the epidemiological situation and vaccination strategy recommendations].

Aims: Analysis of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) surveillance data including molecular epidemio-logy data. Vaccination strategy recommendations based on the current epidemiological situation of IMD in the Czech Republic and availability of meningococcal vaccines.

Material And Methods: IMD surveillance data are compiled by the National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Disease (NRL) from routinely reported data and NRL data after clearing out duplicate data.

A multi-country evaluation of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B factor H-binding proteins and implications for vaccine coverage in different age groups.

Background: Recombinant vaccines containing factor H-binding protein (fHBP) have been developed for the purpose of protection from invasive meningococcal serogroup B disease. Neisseria meningitidis fHBP sequences can be divided into 2 genetically and immunologically distinct subfamilies (A and B); thus, cross protection is conferred within but not between subfamilies. A comprehensive understanding of fHBP epidemiology is required to accurately assess the potential vaccine impact when considering different vaccination implementation strategies.

Different cytokine production and Toll-like receptor expression induced by heat-killed invasive and carrier strains of Neisseria meningitidis.

Neisseria meningitidis may cause severe invasive disease. The carriage state of the pathogen is common, and the reasons underlying why the infection becomes invasive are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to compare the differences between invasive and carrier strains in the activation of innate immunity.

Predicted strain coverage of a meningococcal multicomponent vaccine (4CMenB) in Europe: a qualitative and quantitative assessment.

Background: A novel multicomponent vaccine against meningococcal capsular group B (MenB) disease contains four major components: factor-H-binding protein, neisserial heparin binding antigen, neisserial adhesin A, and outer-membrane vesicles derived from the strain NZ98/254. Because the public health effect of the vaccine, 4CMenB (Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Siena, Italy), is unclear, we assessed the predicted strain coverage in Europe.

Methods: We assessed invasive MenB strains isolated mainly in the most recent full epidemiological year in England and Wales, France, Germany, Italy, and Norway.