Genetic analysis of meningococci carried by children and young adults

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Heike Claus1, Martin C J Maiden, Daniel J Wilson

  • 1Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|March 19, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Meningococcal capsule gene expression, particularly for serogroup C, is linked to specific genotypes like ST-11. This finding helps explain the effectiveness of meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccines.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis is a common bacterium that can cause serious invasive diseases.
  • Capsular polysaccharide is a key virulence factor and vaccine target in meningococci.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between meningococcal genotype and capsular polysaccharide expression.
  • To analyze carried meningococci from a large cohort in Bavaria, Germany.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and characterization of 830 meningococci from 8000 individuals.
  • Serogrouping, multilocus sequence typing, and genetic analysis of capsule regions.
  • Application of statistical and population genetic analyses.

Main Results:

  • No genetic structuring by age or location, but geographic structuring in civil institutions.
  • Capsule gene expression generally consistent across genotypes and age groups.
  • Serogroup C showed increased expression associated with ST-11 (formerly ET-37) complex meningococci.

Conclusions:

  • Serogroup C capsule expression in ST-11 complex meningococci may enhance invasiveness.
  • This association could explain the high efficacy of meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccines.

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