Antibody-Induced Opsonophagocytosis of Serogroup B Meningococci Measured by Flow Cytometry

Antibodies can protect against meningococcal infection by at least two mechanisms: complement-dependent serum bactericidal activity (SBA), and/ or opsonophagocytosis (OP), leading to destruction of the bacteria (1 –4 ). Regarding group C meningococci, there seems to be a correlation between SBA activity and protection (1 ), whereas OP has been less well-studied. This function may have a supplementary or even major role in protection against group B meningococci.