Phenotypic and Genotypic Changes in a New Clone Complex of Neisseria meningitidis Causing Disease in the Netherlands, 1958-1990

To characterize the phenotypic and genotypic changes that occurred in a new clone lineage of Neisseria meningitidis (lineage III) in the Netherlands, the electrophoretic type (ET) was determined for 79 serogroup Bisolates of serotype 4 or subtype P1.4 (or both) obtained between 1958 and 1990 from patients with systemic meningococcal disease. Thirty-five previously described isolates were also included. After its appearance in 1980, lineage III started homogeneously with regard to both genotype (ET-24) and phenotype (B:4:P1.4). After 1984, other clones appeared in the lineage, and the various c... Mehr ...