Serogroup B, electrophoretic type 15 Neisseria meningitidis in Canada

Abstract

Invasive meningococcal disease is nationally reportable in Canada. In recent years, a serogroup C genotype, designated electrophoretic type 15 (ET15), has been the most frequently isolated meningococcal genotype in Canada and has caused epidemics across the country. Between August 1993 and September 1995, there were 9 cases of invasive meningococcal disease caused by a variant of this genotype, expressing group B capsular polysaccharide. The appearance of serogroup B:ET15 was related temporally and geographically to mass immunization campaigns designed to control serogroup C meningococcal disease in Canada. Since there is no vaccine available to control serogroup B meningococcal disease, the appearance of this variant may have public-health significance if it demonstrates the same epidemic potential as its serogroup C counterpart.