INTRODUCTION: Outbreaks of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) among men who have sex with men (MSM) caused by a hypervirulent, non-encapsulated Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) clone belonging to genogroup C have been described. We aimed to determine the oral and anal carriage rates and genogroups of Nm among MSM living with HIV.

METHODS: Sexually active MSM living with HIV were included. A questionnaire, an oral wash sample and an anal swab were collected at baseline and 12 months follow-up. Identification of Nm and genogrouping was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis.

RESULTS: Among 82 MSM, the Nm carriage rate was 31.7 % (95 % CI 21.9-42.9) at baseline. The oral carriage rate was 24.4 % (95 % CI 15.6-35.1) and the anal rate was 11.0 % (95 % CI 5.1-19.8). Non-groupable Nm were most prevalent followed by genogroup B and genogroup Y. Rates were similar at follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Strains of Nm were detected in both oral washes and anal samples in our study. Our results suggest that Nm may be transmitted sexually among MSM. Non-groupable Nm were predominant in our population and no genogroup C Nm were detected.