Epidemiologic studies of serotype antigens common to groups B and C Neisseria meningitidis.

Antisera to strains of group B Neisseria meningitidis (Frash) were used to serotype strains of group C N. meningitidis by an agar gel double diffusion technique. Serotupe antigen(s) were found in most strains examined, and the presence of group B serotype 2 antigen was associated with 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 apperars to be a useful tool for epidemiologic studies of disease caused by groups B and C N. meningitidis.