Genetic analysis of a meningococcal population based on polymorphism of the pilA-pilB locus: a molecular approach for meningococcal epidemiology.

The genetic relationships between 88 meningococcal strains were analyzed by using the polymorphism of the pilA gene and the multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. While a good agreement was observed, correlation with antigenic formula (serogroup, serotype, and serosubtype) was incomplete. The inadequacy of serological classification alone in outbreak surveillance may be overcome by DNA-based approaches.