DNA-based characterization methods for Neisseria meningitidis

Neisseria meningitidis is the leading causative agent of meningitis and rapidly fatal sepsis in all age groups. The treatment, prevention and surveillance of N. meningitidis infection remain a global challenge. N. meningitidis characterization is critical for diagnosis, contact management and herd vaccination. An array of biochemical and genetic methods has been developed for the pathogen detection. This review highlighted the DNA-based molecular characterization methods primarily used for N. meningitidis, with particular reference to invasive serogroups. Compared with the traditional methods, the molecular methods have been well established. The methods including polymerase chain reaction, pulse field gel electrophoresis, microarrays and genome sequencing, are discussed hereby. Meanwhile, the prospective is also predicted in this field. (C) 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins