Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W ST-4821 clonal complex shares a highly conserved capsular switching pattern with ST-11 clonal complex strains

Key Points

• This research aims to explore the capsular switching patterns in Neisseria meningitidis ST-4821 and ST-11 strains.
• Examined capsular switching events in cc4821 isolates.
• Identified potential donor strains involved in the switching process.
• Analyzed the fitness costs associated with capsular switching.
• C→W capsular switching was observed in cc4821 isolates.
• A conserved switching pattern among MenW strains was confirmed.
• A fitness cost was associated with the capsular switching process.