Neisseria meningitidis strains isolated from invasive infections in France (1999–2002): phenotypes and antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Clin. Infect. Dis

In France, during 1999–2002, a total of 2167 clinical isolates of N. meningitidis from invasive infections were studied at the National Reference Center for Meningococci (Paris). Serogroup B strains were the most common (58%), followed by serogroup C strains (29%) and serogroup W135 strains (8%). Various phenotypes were observed, reflecting heterogeneity in the meningococcal population. Strains were susceptible to antibiotics currently used for treatment and chemoprophylaxis of meningococcal infections. However, the prevalence of meningococci with reduced sus-ceptibility to penicillin is increasing. Such strains were heterogeneous and accounted for ∼30 % of isolates during this period, warranting continued surveillance of this phenomenon. Neisseria meningitidis is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis and septicemia worldwide. Strains isolated from patients with these invasive infections are mainl