Related Experiment Videos
[The Neisseria meningitidis serotypes and subtypes circulating among bacterial carriers in Moscow (1989-1991)]
Abstract:
N. meningitidis strains isolated from 218 healthy carriers in 1989-1991 in closed communities of adults, irrespective of cases of meningococcal infection registered in these communities, were characterized with a variety of different type and subtype antigens. Only in 139 strains (63.76%) their types and/or subtypes could be determined with the use of a set of 6 serotypes and 11 subtypes of monoclonal antibodies. 26 group B strains and 31 group C strains had multiple antigenic composition. 13 group A strains were found to be more homogeneous: 8 of them, isolated in one area, belonged, according to Dr. Achtman's data, to a definite clone VI-1, heretofore unknown. No prevailing serotype/subtype could be revealed, which reflected the wide heterogeneity of N. meningitidis at the period of the decrease of morbidity in meningococcal infection. The observed stability of serotype/subtype of strains, isolated from the same carriers and circulating in the same communities, suggests that the serotype/subtype of N. meningitidis is a valuable epidemiological marker.
Insights
Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis) strains from healthy adults showed significant diversity in serotype and subtype antigens. This heterogeneity suggests N. meningitidis serotype/subtype is a useful marker for tracking infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis) is a significant cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis.
- Understanding the antigenic diversity of N. meningitidis is crucial for tracking its spread and developing effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the antigenic profiles of N. meningitidis strains isolated from healthy carriers.
- To assess the epidemiological significance of N. meningitidis serotypes and subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Serotyping and subtyping of N. meningitidis strains using monoclonal antibodies.
- Analysis of strains from healthy carriers in closed adult communities.
Main Results:
- Only 63.76% of 218 N. meningitidis strains could be typed/subtyped using a panel of 6 serotypes and 11 subtypes.
- Group B and C strains exhibited diverse antigenic compositions, while some Group A strains belonged to a previously unknown clone (VI-1).
- No single predominant serotype/subtype was identified, reflecting broad N. meningitidis heterogeneity during a period of declining infection rates.
Conclusions:
- The antigenic diversity of N. meningitidis strains was high during the study period.
- The stability of serotype/subtype in strains from the same carriers and communities indicates its value as an epidemiological marker for N. meningitidis.