An analysis of Neisseria meningitidis strains causing meningococcal septic arthritis in England and Wales: 2010-2020.

Objectives: To analyze clinical meningococcal strains associated with meningococcal septic arthritis cases in England and Wales, and to identify associations between patient age, the synovial joint affected and strain characteristics.

Methods: IMD cases confirmed by the Meningococcal Reference Unit (UK Health Security Agency) between January 2010 and December 2020 were included in the analysis. Septic arthritis cases were defined as those featuring detection and/or isolation of N.