Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W (N. meningitidis W)

*Neisseria meningitidis* serogroup W is a subclassification of the Gram-negative diplococcus *Neisseria meningitidis* based on its unique capsular polysaccharide structure. This serogroup, also known as MenW or NmW, is one of several clinically relevant serogroups that cause invasive meningococcal disease, including meningitis and septicemia. The capsule confers resistance to host immune mechanisms by inhibiting phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Serogroup W has been linked to outbreaks and a rising incidence of disease worldwide, often associated with particular hypervirulent lineages such as the ST-11 clonal complex. While antibiotics like penicillins and ceftriaxone remain mainstays of treatment, quadrivalent vaccines containing the serogroup W polysaccharide are crucial preventive measures. Detection and characterization of this serogroup rely on identification of the specific capsular antigen, genetic characterization, and epidemiological surveillance.

Other names

Meningococcus serogroup WN. meningitidis WMenWNmWMeningococcal WMeningococcus W135

Antibiotics: inhibition of cell wall synthesis (penicillins, cephalosporins), inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase/topoisomerase (ciprofloxacin), inhibition of protein synthesis (chloramphenicol), inhibition of RNA synthesis (rifampicin). Vaccines: Induce immune response against the serogroup W capsular polysaccharide.