Serotypes and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis types among disease-associated isolates of group B Neisseria meningitidis in Spain, 1976-1979.

A high annual incidence of meningococcal meningitis and septicemia occurred in Spain from 1976 through 1980 with a peak of 19 cases per 100,000 population in 1979. Approximately 80% were caused by group B Neisseria meningitidis. Studies were undertaken to determine the distribution of groups, outer membrane protein serotypes and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) types among 338 disease-associated group B isolates from six regions of Spain. The related serotypes 1, 8, and 15 accounted for 38% (129 of 338) of the isolates. Serotype 2, the major disease type in the United States, was responsible for 14% (48 of 338) of the disease in Spain and was prevalent in only one region. Forty-three percent (146 of 338) were nonserotypable. The predominant PAGE type among the nonserotypable strains was PAGE type IV (79%). These studies demonstrate the necessity of surveillance for selection of suitable serotypes to be included in protective group B meningococcal vaccines.