Nasopharyngeal Meningococcal Carriage among Older Adults in Türkiye (MeninGOLD Study)

Introduction: While there is a significant amount of information about invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), carriage, and vaccines in children adolescents, data older adults are limited. Studies carriage transmission modeling can be utilized to predict the spread IMD guide prevention treatment strategies. Our study’s main objective was assess prevalece Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) serogroup distribution, associated risk factors among Türkiye. Methods: Nasopharyngeal samples were collected between December 2022 January 2023 from total 329 (65 years age above). The tested via PCR for Nm, (A, B, C, Y, W, X, E, Z, H) analysis positive performed. Results: In total, over 65 (150 females 179 males; 69% 65–75 old 31% 75 older) included study. Nm detected 46 participants (13.9%), distribution as follows: 2.4% MenY (n = 8), 1.8% MenB 6), 0.2% MenW 2), 9.4% non-groupable 31). Other serogroups not detected. Between carriers non-carriers, no differences previous vaccination histories (meningococcal, pneumococcal, influenza, COVID-19), travel history Hajj and/or Umrah, presence chronic disease. Of 16 cases 13 patients ages 74 three old, these represented MenY. Conclusion: our study, percentage found 13.9%, rate encapsulated strains 4.8%, most common Men Y also only age. serogroup, which one important causes (especially pneumonia cases) people than years, frequently carried Adequate surveillance proper study would help define potential strategies adults.