Whole genome sequence-based typing methods for Neisseria meningitidis

Abstract:

[Objective] To find a suitable molecular typing method for Neisseria meningitides. [Methods] We used 125 presentative N. meningitidis strains to develop a new typing method, named core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing, based on the whole genome sequencing. This method was compared to the MLST and cgMLST typing that have been published on pubMLST website. [Results] The genotyping results of 125 N. meningitides strains isolates were consistent between the core genome SNP typing and egMLST, both of which are significantly better than MLST. The core genome SNP typing identified the population structure and defined the clonal complexes. Comparatively, cgMLST could type any strain but cannot define or assign its clonal complex. [Conclusion] Core genome SNP typing showed consistent results with cgMLST and both methods are significantly better than MLST.