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Previous Volume 342:219-220 January 20, 2000 Number 3 Next

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To the Editor: In Neisseria meningitidis, the horizontal transfer of siaD genes encoding polysialyltransferases has been shown to result in capsular serogroup switching in vitro.¹ The presence of closely related clones with different serogroups suggests that serogroup switching also occurs in vivo.^2,3 However, the time course of the transfer of siaD genes in humans is unknown.

We describe a case of unexpectedly rapid serogroup switching in virulent meningococci. A 16-year-old girl died of fulminant serogroup B meningococcal septicemia. Examination of nasopharyngeal swabs from close contacts revealed massive colonization with serogroup C meningococci in the girl's boyfriend. Isolates from the girl . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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