Capsular switching in invasive Neisseria meningitidis, Brazil(1).

ABSTRACT

During the 1990s, an epidemic of B4 Neisseria meningitidis infections affected Brazil. Subsequent increase in C4 disease suggested B → C capsular switching. This study identified B → C switches within the sequence type 32 complex. Substantial disease related to capsular switching emphasizes the need for surveillance of circulating meningococcal strains to optimize disease control.