Molecular characterization of bacteria responsible for acute meningitis in Togo in 2025

This study focuses on the molecular characterization of bacteria responsible for acute meningitis in Togo in 2025. From January to July 2025, 487 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected and sent to the National Institute of Hygiene for suspected acute bacterial meningitis. 10 percent (50/487) of the samples tested positive by real-time PCR. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the predominant causative agent in 92% (46/50) of cases, with serotype 1 accounting for 40%. Among the identified serotypes, vaccine serotypes accounted for 36% and were predominant in patients aged 5 to 14 years and in the Kara region, with respective rates of 52 and 56%. Non-vaccine serotypes accounted for 64% and were predominant in patients under 1 year of age, in the Plateaux and Savanes regions, with respective rates of 75, 67, and 62%. These results show that S. pneumoniae serotypes not targeted by vaccination play an important role in the epidemiology of bacterial meningitis in Togo and highlight the need for enhanced genomic surveillance in order to adapt the vaccination strategy. Key words: Acute bacterial meningitis, Togo, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), serotyping, serogrouping, epidemiological surveillance.