Molecular surveillance ofNeisseria meningitidiscapsular switching in Portugal, 2002–2006

• DOI: 10.1017/s0950268808001106
• Publication Date: 2008-07-31T10:57:33Z
• Authors: M. J. SIMÕES; M. CUNHA; F. ALMEIDA; C. FURTADO; L. BRUM
• Keywords: Neisseriaceae; Meningococcal Infections; Neisseria

SUMMARY Neisseria meningitidis capsular switching has been reported in several countries. In order to establish the genetic relationship within group B and C strains expressing subtypes 2a or 2b, evaluate whether occurred Portugal, 64 meningococci (56 serogroup 8 B) isolated from invasive meningococcal disease were typed using molecular methods. The studied phenotypes, 2b:P1.5,2 2a:P1.5-1,10-8, most frequent among C, but uncommon strains. multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) allelic profile pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) fingerprints showed that seven genotypically identical strains, suggesting occurred. Active laboratory surveillance find evidence of capsule is a now priority as MenC was introduced Portuguese vaccination schedule January 2006.