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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Whole genome sequencing as a novel approach for characterising Neisseria meningitidis in Australia

Shakeel Mowlaboccus
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

School of Biomedical Sciences
The University of Western Australia
Perth, WA, Australia
Email: shakeel.mowlaboccus@uwa.edu.au

Microbiology Australia 38(3) 142-145 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA17052
Published: 22 August 2017

Abstract

Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) is the causative agent of invasive meningococcal disease that manifests as life-threatening septicaemia and/or meningitis. This review provides a brief overview of the prevention of the disease and also highlights the importance of whole genome sequencing (WGS) in detecting outbreaks of meningococci in Australia. The use of WGS in identifying the emergence of a penicillin-resistant cluster of meningococci is Western Australia is used as an example for advocating the implementation of WGS on the routine surveillance in Australia.


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