Antigenic diversity of Neisseria meningitidis isolated in Taiwan between 1995 and 2002

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Chiou-Ying Yang1, Yeong-Sheng Lee, Lan-Shiang Huang

  • 1From the Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan. cyyang@dragon.nchu.edu.tw

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|May 20, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Serological typing of invasive Neisseria meningitidis in Taiwan revealed diverse antigenic properties. High PorA diversity in serogroup B isolates challenges vaccine development, but L3,7,9 lipooligosaccharides may offer a promising approach.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Vaccine Development

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis) exhibits diverse geographic distribution and antigenic variation.
  • Understanding antigenic properties is crucial for developing effective outer membrane protein-based vaccines against N. meningitidis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To serologically type 127 invasive N. meningitidis isolates from Taiwan (1995-2002) to determine antigenic properties.
  • To assess the feasibility of developing a PorA-based vaccine by analyzing serogroup B isolate diversity.

Main Methods:

  • Serological typing of 127 invasive N. meningitidis isolates.
  • Phenotypic characterization including serogroup, serosubtype, and immunotype determination.
  • Analysis of PorA diversity and lipooligosaccharide (LOS) immunotypes in serogroup B isolates.

Main Results:

  • 51 distinct phenotypes were identified among the isolates, with high rates of non-serotypeable (31.5%) and non-serosubtypeable (32.3%) strains.
  • Prevalent phenotypes included W135:NT:P1.5,2:L3,7,9, Y:14P1.5,2, and B:1:NST:L3,7,9.
  • Serogroup B isolates showed significant PorA diversity (15 serosubtypes), with P1.5,2 and P1.12,13 being most common. 85% of serogroup B isolates possessed the L3,7,9 immunotype.

Conclusions:

  • The high diversity of PorA in circulating serogroup B strains presents a challenge for PorA-based vaccine development in Taiwan.
  • Inclusion of L3,7,9 lipooligosaccharides in a vaccine strategy may enhance protection against prevalent serogroup B isolates.
  • Serogroup B and W135 isolates suggest endemicity, while A, C, and Y isolates may indicate importation linked to international travel.

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