Risk of group A meningococcal disease: bacterial interference and cross-reactive bacteria among mucosal flora.

摘要: During outbreaks of group A meningococcal disease in Seattle, Wash., and Portland, Oreg., we studied the mucosal flora affected population comparison groups to identify possible determinants susceptibility resistance disease. Antimeningococcal immunoglobulin can block bactericidal activity specific antibodies other classes has been associated with adults. We used immunoprecipitation fluorescent-antibody techniques detect microorganisms cross-reactive meningococci that might have stimulated such antibodies. Cross-reactive strains Bacillus pumilus Streptococcus faecalis were found. Bacterial interference on surfaces shown reduce pathogens. With an agar overlay technique, sought nasopharyngeal inhibited growth meningococci. Forty-five percent subjects carried inhibitory representing at least nine different species. Inhibitory less common (32%) residents from "skid row" areas (see D.J. Bogue, Skid Row American Cities, University Chicago Press, for a comprehensive definition these areas) than did not experience (61%), suggesting their presence may be acquisition or