The outer membrane vesicle (OMV) component of the 4CMenB (Bexsero) meningococcal B vaccine provides protection primarily against which strain?
- A N. meningitidis NZ B:4:P1.7-2,4 strain and related strains sharing PorA P1.4 ✓
- B N. meningitidis serogroup A
- C All serogroup B strains globally through NHBA antigen cross-reactivity
- D N. meningitidis serogroup C strains with PorA P1.2
Correct answer: A. N. meningitidis NZ B:4:P1.7-2,4 strain and related strains sharing PorA P1.4
Explanation
The OMV component of 4CMenB is derived from the New Zealand epidemic strain (NZ 98/254, B:4:P1.7-2,4) and confers protection primarily against strains expressing PorA P1.4. The vaccine's broader coverage against diverse serogroup B strains relies on the three recombinant antigens — fHbp, NHBA, and NadA — which together cover a majority of serogroup B isolates. NHBA provides some cross-reactive protection but the OMV is strain-specific. The MATS (Meningococcal Antigen Typing System) assay is used to predict coverage against local strains.
Reference: Ananthanarayan & Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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