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Sero/subtyping of Neisseria meningitidis isolated from patients in Spain
J A Vazquez1, C Marcos, S Berron
1Servicio de Bacteriología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
To know the types of meningococcal strains in Spain, we serotyped and subtyped 743 Neisseria meningitidis isolates recovered between 1990 and 1992 from patients. A great number of serogroup B, serogroup C and non-groupable meningococci reacted with the serotyping reagents while many serogroup C and non-groupable isolates did not react with the serosubtyping reagents (78.2% and 54.8% respectively); only 8.9% of serogroup B meningococci were non-subtypeable (NST). Distribution of serotypes was similar in serogroup C and in non-groupable strains. Isolates showed great variability in antigenic phenotypes (71 in serogroup B, 20 in serogroup C and 25 in non-groupable meningococci). The most frequent antigenic combinations were 4:P1.15 (39.8%) in serogroup B, 2b:NST (55.8%) in serogroup C and 2b:NST (35.6%) in non-groupable meningococci.
Insights
This study analyzed 743 Neisseria meningitidis isolates in Spain from 1990-1992. Serogroup B meningococci showed the most diverse antigenic phenotypes, with 4:P1.15 being the most common type.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a significant cause of bacterial meningitis.
- Understanding meningococcal strain characteristics is crucial for disease prevention and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the serotypes and subtypes of Neisseria meningitidis isolates in Spain.
- To identify the prevalent antigenic phenotypes and their distribution among different serogroups.
Main Methods:
- Serotyping and subtyping of 743 Neisseria meningitidis isolates collected from patients between 1990 and 1992.
- Analysis of antigenic phenotypes and their frequency.
Main Results:
- Serogroup B meningococci exhibited the highest antigenic variability (71 phenotypes).
- The most frequent antigenic combination in serogroup B was 4:P1.15 (39.8%).
- Serogroup C and non-groupable meningococci showed lower subtypeability rates, with 2b:NST being common.
Conclusions:
- Significant diversity in meningococcal antigenic phenotypes was observed in Spain during the study period.
- Specific serotype-subtype combinations were predominant within different serogroups, informing potential vaccine strategies.