[Monitoring for Neisseria meningitidis species using sequencing of variable fragments of surface proteins FetA and PorA genes]
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Aim:
To perform advanced antigenic characterization of meningococci belonging to serogroups A and B and circulating in Moscow according to modern nomenclature of Neisseria meningitidis strains.
Materials And Methods:
Method of typing of "VR" fragment of FetA protein together with methods of genetic subtyping and multilocus sequence typing was used.
Results:
Detailed information about studied strains was inputed in Internet database--http://pubmlst.org/neisseria/. Typing of serogroup B strains did not allow to define dominating variant of "VR, fragment of FetA protein which is in accordance with subtyping data obtained previously. Serogroup A strains were notable for less variability of "VR" fragment variants: 6 variants were detected. For the majority of serogroup A strains, it was possible to trace connection between belonging of the strain to particular genetic subgroup and its revealed antigenic profile. For strains from genetic subgroup VI, antigenic profile P1.5-2, 10; F1-5 detected in 14(18%) strains was typical, whereas antigenic profile P1.5-2, 10; F3-5 was typical for genetic subgroup X and was detected in 50 (63%) strains. Antigenic profile P1.5-2, 10-67; F3-5 was detected in 5 (6%) strains, and other 10 antigenic profiles were revealed in one strain each.
Conclusion:
Prevalence of strains with antigenic profile P1.5-2, 10; F3-5 is explained by change of predominant genetic subgroup from subgroup VI to subgroup X in Moscow population serogroup A meningococci observed after 2003.
Insights
Advanced characterization of Neisseria meningitidis strains in Moscow revealed shifts in serogroup A genetic subgroups. The study highlights the prevalence of specific antigenic profiles linked to these genetic changes, impacting meningococcal disease epidemiology.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis causes significant public health concern.
- Meningococcal serogroups A and B are key targets for surveillance.
- Understanding strain characteristics is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct advanced antigenic characterization of Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A and B.
- To analyze circulating strains in Moscow based on modern nomenclature.
- To investigate the relationship between genetic and antigenic profiles of these meningococci.
Main Methods:
- FetA protein "VR" fragment typing.
- Genetic subtyping.
- Multilocus sequence typing (MLST).
Main Results:
- Serogroup B strains showed less defined dominant "VR" fragment variants.
- Serogroup A strains exhibited lower variability with 6 "VR" fragment variants.
- A strong correlation was observed between genetic subgroups and antigenic profiles in serogroup A strains.
- Genetic subgroup X strains (50/63%) predominantly displayed antigenic profile P1.5-2, 10; F3-5, a shift from subgroup VI.
Conclusions:
- The increased prevalence of antigenic profile P1.5-2, 10; F3-5 is attributed to a shift in predominant genetic subgroup from VI to X in Moscow's serogroup A meningococci population after 2003.
- This antigenic and genetic shift has implications for understanding meningococcal epidemiology in the region.
