Phylogenetic and epidemiological analysis of Neisseria meningitidis using DNA probes.
The genetic relationships between various serotypes and serogroups of meningococcal strains were investigated by restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using a number of random DNA probes and a probe containing a truncated copy of the meningococcal insertion sequence IS1106. The data were used to estimate genetic distance between all pairs of strains and to construct phylogenetic trees for meningococcal strains. B15:P1.16R strains isolated from cases of systemic meningococcal disease in two health districts with a high incidence of disease were clonal in contrast to similar strains from cases occurring in other parts of the UK. Strains from these areas, which contain a similar genomic deletion, were found to be derived from two distinct lineages within the B15:P1.16R phylogenetic group. RFLP data demonstrated that present serological typing systems for the meningococcus do not necessarily reflect true genetic relationships.
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Molecular Microbiology Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
Knight
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Cartwright
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McFadden
J J
JJ
D015139:Blotting, Southern; D015342:DNA Probes; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000382:microbiology; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000235:genetics*; D010802:Phylogeny; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D012703:Serotyping; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
D015342:DNA Probes