Epidemiologic Studies of Serotype Antigens Common to Groups Band C Neisseria meningitidis

Abstract

Antisera to strains of group B Neisseria meningitidis (Frasch) were used to serotype strains of group C N. meningitidis by an agar gel double diffusion technique. Serotype antigen(s) were found in most strains examined, and the presence of group B serotype 2 antigen was associated with sulfonamide resistance in group C strains isolated from sporadic cases and from cases and carriers in military and civilian epidemics of disease caused by sulfonamide-resistant group C organisms. Serotyping by the agar diffusion test appears to be a useful tool for epidemiologic studies of disease caused by groups Band C N. meningitidis.