Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

The elusive meningococcal meningitis serogroup: a systematic review of serogroup B epidemiology

Vanessa N Racloz1, Silva J D Luiz

  • 1Swiss Tropical Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland. vracloz@gmail.com

BMC Infectious Diseases
|June 23, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Serogroup B invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a global health concern. Its genetic diversity and antibiotic resistance present challenges for developing effective vaccines against Neisseria meningitidis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a significant global health issue caused by Neisseria meningitidis.
  • Thirteen serogroups of N. meningitidis exist, each with distinct epidemiological characteristics.
  • Serogroup B strains pose particular challenges for vaccine development due to their heterogeneity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiology of serogroup B invasive meningococcal disease.
  • To analyze the genetic diversity of serogroup B strains.
  • To inform vaccine development strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of peer-reviewed studies and reports.
  • Data collection from national and international health resources.
  • Analysis of the Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) database using eburst software.

Main Results:

  • Observed continuous emergence of novel Sequence Types (STs) globally.
  • Identified hypervirulent clonal complexes within serogroup B strains.
  • Highlighted the significant genetic diversity of serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis.

Conclusions:

  • Serogroup B IMD is increasingly dominant in many countries.
  • Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in serogroup B strains.
  • Vaccine development must address the widespread and heterogeneous nature of serogroup B meningococcal disease.

More Related Videos

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/4306:06

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43

Published on: September 11, 2020

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization10:19

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization

Published on: November 16, 2016

Related Concept Videos

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 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...
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...
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...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...