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Sero- and subtypes of group B meningococci causing invasive infections in Finland in 1976-87
H Käyhty1, J Poolman, H Abdillahi
1National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
Neisseria meningitidis group B (MenB) strains isolated from 1976 to 1987 in Finland in 339 patients with invasive infection were sero/subtyped by whole cell enzyme immunoassay using monoclonal antibodies to class 1 and 2/3 outer membrane proteins. 66.7% of the strains could be serotyped (class 2/3) and 70.2% subtyped (class 1). No single phenotype was clearly predominant. The most common serotypes were 4 (18.6%) and 14 (17.4%) and the most common subtypes P1.16 (20.1%) and P1.2 (12.1%). The Norwegian phenotype B:15:P1.16 was seen only rarely (a total of 18 strains). Strains from Northern Finland did not differ from those from Southern Finland: no single phenotype caused the slight increase seen in the incidence of MenB infections in the end of 1970s in the North.
Insights
This study analyzed Neisseria meningitidis group B strains from Finnish patients between 1976-1987. Serotyping revealed common serotypes 4 and 14, with no single phenotype dominating invasive infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis group B (MenB) causes invasive infections.
- Understanding MenB strain characteristics is crucial for disease control and vaccine development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To serotype and subtype MenB strains isolated from invasive infections in Finland between 1976 and 1987.
- To identify predominant serotypes and subtypes and analyze geographical distribution.
Main Methods:
- Whole cell enzyme immunoassay using monoclonal antibodies against outer membrane proteins (class 1 and 2/3).
- Analysis of 339 MenB strains from invasive infections in Finland.
Main Results:
- 66.7% of strains were serotyped (class 2/3) and 70.2% subtyped (class 1).
- The most common serotypes were 4 (18.6%) and 14 (17.4%).
- The most common subtypes were P1.16 (20.1%) and P1.2 (12.1%).
- The Norwegian phenotype B:15:P1.16 was rare. No significant difference was observed between strains from Northern and Southern Finland.
Conclusions:
- No single MenB phenotype predominated in Finland during the study period.
- The observed MenB strain characteristics did not explain the slight increase in incidence in Northern Finland in the late 1970s.