Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (N. meningitidis serogroup B)

Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B is a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for invasive diseases such as bacterial meningitis and septicemia, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults[1][7]. It is one of several major pathogenic serogroups defined by differences in their capsular polysaccharides; serogroup B is notable for its prevalence in developed countries and its resistance to traditional polysaccharide-based vaccines due to poor immunogenicity. The organism colonizes the human nasopharynx asymptomatically but can invade the bloodstream and central nervous system under certain conditions[2][3][7]. Serogroup B strains are genetically diverse, with significant phase variation aiding immune evasion[5]. Prevention relies on protein-based vaccines targeting outer membrane proteins rather than the poorly immunogenic capsule. While "Neisseria meningitidis" is an important infectious agent targeted by vaccination strategies, it is not considered a molecular therapeutic target like receptors or enzymes; thus this entry does not fit standard drug-target conventions[8].

Other names

Meningococcus group BNmBMeningitis B (colloquial)Neisseria meningitidis group B

Induction of protective antibodies against surface proteins and polysaccharide capsule components to prevent infection