Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Visualisation and Quantification of Intracellular Interactions of Neisseria meningitidis and Human α-actinin by Confocal Imaging
12:58

Visualisation and Quantification of Intracellular Interactions of Neisseria meningitidis and Human α-actinin by Confocal Imaging

Published on: October 25, 2010

Representational difference analysis of Neisseria meningitidis identifies sequences that are specific for the

A Bart1, J Dankert, A van der Ende

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. a.bart@amc.uva.nl

FEMS Microbiology Letters
|July 29, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified specific DNA sequences in Neisseria meningitidis lineage III, enabling rapid detection of this meningitis-causing bacteria. This new PCR method offers superior accuracy for epidemiological studies compared to traditional serological approaches.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis is a bacterium responsible for meningitis and septicemia.
  • Lineage III of N. meningitidis has been increasingly prevalent in Europe and New Zealand since the 1980s, causing a rise in meningococcal disease.
  • Rapid identification of specific bacterial strains is crucial for effective epidemiological surveillance and control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify specific DNA sequences unique to the lineage III clone of Neisseria meningitidis.
  • To develop a rapid and accurate method for detecting lineage III meningococcal isolates for epidemiological studies.
  • To compare the efficacy of the new molecular method with existing serological techniques.

Main Methods:

  • Representational difference analysis (RDA) was employed using one lineage III tester strain and two non-lineage III driver strains.
  • Three lineage III-specific DNA sequences were identified through RDA, likely belonging to a single restriction-modification system locus.
  • A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was designed based on one of the identified lineage III-specific sequences.

Main Results:

  • The PCR assay demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 93% specificity in identifying lineage III Neisseria meningitidis isolates.
  • This molecular detection method proved superior to conventional serological identification methods for lineage III.
  • The identified sequences provide a reliable genetic marker for tracking the spread of lineage III meningococci.

Conclusions:

  • Specific DNA sequences of the lineage III Neisseria meningitidis clone can be reliably identified.
  • A PCR-based assay utilizing these sequences offers a highly sensitive and specific method for detecting lineage III isolates.
  • This molecular tool enhances epidemiological studies of meningococcal disease by enabling rapid and accurate strain identification.

More Related Videos

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Transfection of a Molecular Clone of Naegleria gruberi rDNA into N. gruberi Trophozoites06:55

Transfection of a Molecular Clone of Naegleria gruberi rDNA into N. gruberi Trophozoites

Published on: June 21, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Modern Molecular Taxonomy01:29

Modern Molecular Taxonomy

Advancements in molecular biology have revolutionized the identification and characterization of bacteria, with multiple methods leveraging DNA sequencing for enhanced precision. As sequencing technologies improve and costs decline, these approaches are increasingly used in clinical, environmental, and evolutionary studies.Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) examines several housekeeping genes, essential chromosomal genes encoding cellular functions, to distinguish strains. Approximately...
Regulation of Bacterial Virulence01:28

Regulation of Bacterial Virulence

Pathogenic bacteria employ a range of regulatory mechanisms to modulate the expression of virulence genes in response to environmental and host-derived signals. These mechanisms ensure that virulence factors are expressed only under favorable conditions, thereby optimizing infection and survival strategies.Mechanisms of Virulence RegulationKey regulatory strategies include:Two-Component Systems: These consist of a membrane-bound sensor kinase and a cytoplasmic response regulator. Environmental...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...