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New serotype candidate of Neisseria meningitidis
P Krízová1, M Musílek, V Danielová
1National Reference Laboratory for Meningococeal Infections, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
In spite of a large collection of MAbs used for the whole-cell ELISA (WCE) in the National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections in Prague 50-80% of N.meningitidis strains isolated in the Czech Republic remained non-typable (NT) and/or non-subtypable (NST). A project focused on the problem of NT/NST N.meningitidis was started and the new serotype candidate designated "22" resulted from this research. This paper presents the method of preparing and testing of the monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for this new serotype and the first experience acquired from using it. The new serotype-specific MAb is of IgG3 class, does not react with any serotype/subtype reference strains and reacts in WCE with the strain used for its production and with some other NT/NST strains in the dilution 1:1,000. A collection of 97 N.meningitidis B:NT strains isolated from cerebrospinal fluid and/or blood of patients with invasive disease in the Czech Republic since 1973 to 1995 was serotyped using the new serotype "22"-specific MAb and 37 of these strains (38.2%) gave positive WCE result. The total number of 59 N.meningitidis B:NT strains isolated in 1995 from various clinical situations were serotyped and 26 of them (44.1%) were positive with the new serotype "22"-specific MAb. Seven of these N.meningitidis B:NT strains isolated in 1995 from various clinical situations were serotyped and 26 of them (44.1%) were positive with the new serotype "22"-specific MAb. Seven of these N.meningitidis B: "22" strains were isolated from cerebrospinal fluid or blood of patients with invasive meningococcal disease and prevailed in the age group of 0-4 years (5 cases). The significance of the new serotype candidate was underlined recently, when this serotype "22" was recognized in N.meningitidis B strain isolated from a died 10 months old boy. These results indicate the epidemiological and clinical significance of the new serotype candidate "22" in the Czech Republic.
Insights
A new monoclonal antibody (MAb) identifies a novel serotype "22" in non-typable Neisseria meningitidis strains. This discovery aids in characterizing previously unclassified meningococcal bacteria, crucial for tracking disease outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- A significant proportion of Neisseria meningitidis strains in the Czech Republic were non-typable (NT) or non-subtypable (NST) using existing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs).
- This limitation hindered accurate epidemiological surveillance and characterization of meningococcal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a new monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for a novel Neisseria meningitidis serotype, designated "22".
- To assess the prevalence and clinical significance of this new serotype in invasive meningococcal disease cases in the Czech Republic.
Main Methods:
- Preparation and characterization of a new IgG3 class MAb specific for the serotype "22" candidate.
- Whole-cell ELISA (WCE) was employed to test the reactivity of the new MAb against a collection of N. meningitidis strains.
Main Results:
- The newly developed MAb demonstrated specificity for the serotype "22" candidate, reacting with specific NT/NST strains in WCE.
- Testing of 97 N. meningitidis B:NT strains revealed 38.2% positive results with the "22"-specific MAb.
- In 1995, 44.1% of 59 N. meningitidis B:NT strains were identified as serotype "22", with 7 strains isolated from invasive disease cases, predominantly in children aged 0-4 years.
Conclusions:
- The identification of serotype "22" represents a significant advancement in the typing of Neisseria meningitidis.
- This new serotype candidate exhibits epidemiological and clinical importance in the Czech Republic, particularly in invasive meningococcal disease.
- The developed MAb is a valuable tool for improved surveillance and understanding of meningococcal epidemiology.