Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (N. meningitidis serogroup C)

Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C is a Gram-negative, encapsulated diplococcus distinguished by a polysaccharide capsule containing sialic acid, which serves as both a key virulence factor and the principal basis for grouping into serogroups. Human-specific, it colonizes the nasopharynx and can invade the bloodstream and central nervous system, causing meningitis and septicemia. Serogroup C strains are particularly associated with outbreaks and severe disease, and are one of the most important serogroups worldwide, especially in Asia and Africa. Preventive strategies center on conjugated vaccines targeting the group C capsule. Molecular epidemiology and surveillance are also essential due to the high genetic diversity and the capacity for rapid capsular switching and virulence evolution via horizontal gene transfer.

Other names

Meningococcus serogroup CSerogroup C meningococcusN. meningitidis CMeningococci serogroup CMeningococcal group C

Vaccines induce immune response against the serogroup C capsular polysaccharide, preventing colonization, invasion, and disease. Antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins) target bacterial cell wall biosynthesis for treatment, not prevention.