Acquisition of beta-lactamase by Neisseria meningitidis through possible horizontal gene transfer [PublishAheadOfPrint]

We report the detection in France of a beta-lactamase producing invasive meningococcal isolate. Whole genome sequencing of the isolate revealed ROB-1 type beta-lactamase gene that is frequently encountered in Haemophilus influenzae suggesting horizontal transfer between isolates of these bacterial species. Beta-lactamases are exceptional in meningococci with no reports from more than two decades. This report is worrying as the expansion of such isolates may jeopardize the effective treatment against invasive meningococcal disease.

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