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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
A High-throughput Shigella-specific Bactericidal Assay
Published on: February 27, 2019
Serogroup B and C serum bactericidal assays
1Manchester Public Health Laboratory, Withington Hospital, Manchester, UK.
Abstract:
Meningococci are usually classified based on serological reactivity of their polysaccharide capsules with serogroups A, B, and C, currently the most common causes of disease. Serogroup A meningococci can cause massive outbreaks particularly in areas such as the African meningitis belt, whereas other areas such as in the Americas and Europe, serogroups B and C predominate. Although licensed vaccines for serogroups A and C exist, based on the polysaccharide capsules, no such vaccine exists thus far for serogroup B owing to its poor immunogenicity in humans. This chapter discusses and details serum bactericidal assay protocols for measuring the complement-mediated lysis of serogroups B and C meningococci by human sera following vaccination or disease.
Insights
This study details serum bactericidal assays for evaluating immune responses against serogroup B and C meningococci. These methods are crucial for developing effective vaccines, particularly for serogroup B which currently lacks a licensed vaccine due to poor immunogenicity.
Area of Science:
- Bacteriology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Meningococci are classified by polysaccharide capsule serogroups (A, B, C), with B and C predominating in the Americas and Europe.
- Serogroup A meningococci cause widespread outbreaks in the African meningitis belt.
- Licensed vaccines exist for serogroups A and C, but not for serogroup B due to poor human immunogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail serum bactericidal assay protocols for measuring complement-mediated lysis of serogroup B and C meningococci.
- To provide methods for assessing immune responses following vaccination or disease.
- To support the development of vaccines against meningococcal disease.
Main Methods:
- Serum bactericidal assays (SBAs) using human sera.
- Measurement of complement-mediated bacterial lysis.
- Protocols for serogroups B and C meningococci.
Main Results:
- Established protocols for serum bactericidal assays against meningococcal serogroups B and C.
- Demonstrated the utility of SBAs in evaluating immune responses to meningococcal antigens.
- Provided a framework for vaccine immunogenicity studies.
Conclusions:
- Serum bactericidal assays are essential for evaluating the efficacy of vaccines against meningococcal serogroups B and C.
- Standardized protocols are critical for reproducible assessment of vaccine-induced immunity.
- Further development of serogroup B vaccines is needed, and these assays will be vital for their evaluation.
