A pneumonia case caused by Neisseria meningitides serogroup Y ST-23 clonal complex

Objective To investigate the epidemiologic, etiologic and clinical characteristics of a meningococcal pneumonia case in Guangzhou. Methods Clinical diagnosis and epidemiological investigation data were collected, the Neisseria meningitides strains isolated by hospital were used for biochemical identification, latex agglutination, PCR, whole genome sequencing and drug susceptibility test in vitro. Results The patient had symptoms such as sore throat, fever, anhelation, mental fatigue, etc., but had no headache, nausea, disturbance of consciousness, meningitis irritation and petechia. Chest CT showed a pulmonary infection. The N. meningitides Y strain isolated from the pneumonia patient’s blood was identified as ST-1655, belonging to ST-23 clonal complex. The strain was sensitive to penicillin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, etc. Conclusion The meningococcal pneumonia was caused by N. meningitides Y ST-23 clonal complex, which was consistent with the imported strain isolated in Guangdong. We should keep vigilance to the ST-23 clonal complex. Further surveillance for other meningococcal disease is needed.