Minnesota Health Officials Detect A Strain Of Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Meningococcal Bacteria In NW Minnesota

Updated prophylaxis recommendations are issued for physicians

February 8, 2008 -- The Minnesota and North Dakota Departments of Health today notified physicians that there have been three meningococcal cases over the past year (two cases in Minnesota in January 2008 and one case in North Dakota in January 2007), in which the strain was found to be resistant to quinolone antibiotics. These are the first known quinolone-resistant meningococcal cases in the United States.

Meningococcus is a bacterium that causes meningitis, bloodstream infections and other serious infections. Quinolones are one of several antibiotics that are commonly given to close contacts of individuals that have meningococcal disease as a preventative measure. So far, the strain has only been found in northwestern Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. Meningococcal infections are uncommon in Minnesota, with an average of 25 cases per year.

The Minnesota and North Dakota Departments of Health are asking physicians to use rifampin, ceftriaxone, or azithromycin instead of ciprofloxacin as a preventive treatment for close contacts of cases of meningococcal disease in the Fargo-Moorhead areas.

This is an important finding, said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, Minnesota State Epidemiologist. “Even though there are other drugs that can be used to prevent meningococcal disease, having one less weapon in our arsenal reminds us of the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. Misuse of antibiotics, such as using antibiotics to treat viral infections like the cold, is the biggest driver of antibiotic resistance. We must use antibiotics carefully.”

There are effective measures of prevention of meningococcal infection. Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for children ages 11-18 years and college freshman living in dormitories as well as others who have conditions that put them at high risk for meningococcal disease. This vaccine covers four common serogroups of meningococcus, which account for approximately two-thirds of cases in Minnesota. However it does not include serogroup B, the serogroup that occurred in the quinolone-resistant cases. Meningococcus can be spread from person to person through the sharing of oral or respiratory secretions.

Additional information on meningococcal disease can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health website at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/meningococcal/index.ht....

Source: Minnesota Department of Health

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