Deletion of fetA gene sequences in serogroup B and C Neisseria meningitidis isolates

The immunogenic iron-regulated FetA outer membrane protein of Neisseria meningitidis is one of various outer membrane proteins that have been considered potential meningococcal vaccine candidates. In this report, we describe the characterization of three meningococcal isolates that have deleted fetA sequences through genetic recombination at repetitive elements.