Variation in expression of class 1 and class 5 outer membrane proteins during nasopharyngeal carriage of Neisseria meningitidis

Abstract

Accidental nasopharyngeal colonization of a laboratory worker by a human isolate of Neisseria meningitidis allowed us to examine the variation in expression of outer membrane components and the host humoral response over time. There were quantitative differences in class 1 outer membrane protein expression in nasopharyngeal isolates obtained at different times. Isolates also showed phase variation of all four class 5 outer membrane proteins produced by the colonizing strain. After colonization, we detected new host serum immunoglobulin G antibodies directed against class 1, class 5, and H.8 outer membrane proteins.