Abstract
A total of 56 Neisseria meningitidis strains are analysed using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Twenty-nine distinct sequence types (STs) were identified, eight of which were new. Four known hypervirulent clones – ST-11 (electrophoretic type [ET]-37) complex, ST-44 complex (lineage 3), ST-32 (ET-5) complex and ST-8 complex (cluster A4) – were identified by MLST in 35 disease-associated and four carrier strains. Two other clones (ST-22 complex and ST-269 complex) were identified in nine disease-associated and one carrier strain. The remaining strains were heterogeneous. Additional sequencing within the FumC gene further distinguished the ET-15 clone within the ST-11 (ET-37) clonal complex. This resolution of isolates into genetic clones by MLST enhances the more traditional techniques of serotyping and serosubtyping. The data obtained established that hyperendemic meningococcal disease in Ireland could be attributed to strains belonging to four major hypervirulent clones, all of which account for elevated levels of disease worldwide. The extra information provided by MLST will be used to study the population structure and epidemiology of N. meningitidis and will allow a comparison of Irish strains with those circulating globally.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
