Identification of the Various Strains of N

Question

Identification of the various strains of N. meningitidis is through
A) Gram staining.
B) serogrouping.
C) fluorescent antibodies.
D) titering.
E) signs and symptoms.

Accepted Answer

Serogrouping is the most commonly used method for identifying different strains of N. meningitidis. This involves testing the bacterial cells for the presence of distinctive surface antigens, which are classified into at least 13 different serogroups (A, B, C, Y, W-135, etc.). Gram staining, fluorescent antibodies, and titering may be helpful in identifying the bacterium, but they do not provide information on the strain or serogroup. Signs and symptoms are also not specific enough to identify a particular strain.