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At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMed1984

[Natural reproduction of all stages of a generalized meningococcal infection in mice].

The present work is based on the direct relationship, revealed in our investigations, between the hyaluronidase activity of meningococcal strains and their capacity to penetrate into the blood and the liquor. The use of the intranasal route (i.e. the natural route) for infecting previously untreated mice with meningococci in the presence of hyaluronidase made it possible to follow the generalized form of meningococcal infection in all its stages from the period of incubation and microbial invasion to bacteriemia, accompanied by the penetration of the infective agent into the meninges, and toxinemia. This route of infection ensured the penetration of the infective agent, but the natural specific resistance of mice to meningococci prevented their multiplication with the subsequent liberation of a sufficient amount of endotoxin killing the animals. To overcome natural immunity and increase toxicity, actinomycin D was injected intraperitoneally in a volume of 0.5 ml (5 gamma) simultaneously with the administration of the microbial culture and hyaluronidase, thus ensuring 40-60% mortality among the animals. Our model of the generalized form of meningococcal infection can be used in the study of pathogenesis and for the development of the methods of treatment and microbiological diagnosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Sudden-onset deafness. Serodiagnosis of recent meningococcal infection.

An 8.5-year-old boy was evaluated 3 weeks after the occurrence of a febrile illness associated with sudden-onset deafness. An extensive diagnostic evaluation was largely unrewarding. However, unusual epidemiologic features of the case and cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities suggested meningococcal meningitis as the probable etiology. Serologic studies confirmed recent meningococcal infection. The potential etiologies of sudden acquired deafness are diverse, but a thorough evaluation is warranted and may be rewarding, even if it is initiated weeks after onset of deafness.

Child↗
PubMed2006

Induction of the antimicrobial peptide CRAMP in the blood-brain barrier and meninges after meningococcal infection.

Antimicrobial peptides are present in most living species and constitute important effector molecules of innate immunity. Recently, we and others have detected antimicrobial peptides in the brain. This is an organ that is rarely infected, which has mainly been ascribed to the protective functions of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and meninges. Since the bactericidal properties of the BBB and meninges are not known, we hypothesized that antimicrobial peptides could play a role in these barriers. We addressed this hypothesis by infecting mice with the neuropathogenic bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Brains were analyzed for expression of the antimicrobial peptide CRAMP by immunohistochemistry in combination with confocal microscopy. After infection, we observed induction of CRAMP in endothelial cells of the BBB and in cells of the meninges. To explore the functional role of CRAMP in meningococcal disease, we infected mice deficient of the CRAMP gene. Even though CRAMP did not appear to protect the brain from invasion of meningococci, CRAMP knockout mice were more susceptible to meningococcal infection than wild-type mice and exhibited increased meningococcal growth in blood, liver, and spleen. Moreover, we could demonstrate that carbonate, a compound that accumulates in the circulation during metabolic acidosis, makes meningococci more susceptible to CRAMP.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Meningococcal infections in Warsaw's district].

The epidemiological situation of meningococcal meningitis in Warsaw's district in comparison to the situation in Poland in the years 1980-1997 in discussed. In September 1997, the local population of Zielonka--small city in Warsaw's district, was alarmed by two meningococcal septicaemia cases in girls attending to the same kindergarten. Anti-epidemic measures undertaken were described.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1983

Prevention of the enhancing effect of mucin and iron in mouse meningococcal infection.

In vivo resistance of mice to Neisseria meningitidis was entirely abrogated by a concomitant administration of mucin and iron with N. meningitidis organisms. Resistance, however, was restored when the latter challenge was given to animals which had been immunized 7 days previously with a crude extract of meningococcal antigens (MA), BCG, or proteose peptone. These results suggest that depression or activation of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) may be important in resistant of mice to meningococcal infection. Also, like BCG, MA inoculation was able to prevent infection by Listeria monocytogenes indicating its marked ability to activate the RES. The data show that immunization can induce nonspecific RES stimulation and that the nonspecific resistance persists for at least 7 days.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Unusual cluster of mild invasive serogroup C meningococcal infection in a university college.

The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology and public health response to an apparent cluster of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C infection in university students in a residential college. A conventional epidemiological approach was taken, supported by routine and novel diagnostic techniques. Over the two days of 21-22 August 1997, three cases of suspected meningococcal infection were notified from a residential college complex at a university campus in the Sydney metropolitan area. Neisseria meningitidis was grown from throat swabs of all three cases, and was isolated from the blood of one case only. All three isolates were typed as C:2a:P1.5,2. Seroconversion was demonstrated by a novel method in the three cases. Rifampicin was given to all identified contacts. Forty-seven days after the index case, a 19 year old female living in the same complex was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, and identified contacts given rifampicin. When this isolate was found to be group C, it was decided to vaccinate residents of the college complex. Genotyping and serotyping (C:2a:P1.5) later revealed the fourth isolate to be distinct from isolates from Cases 1-3. In conclusion the authors note that Australia's increasing capacity to type meningococcal strains is essential to understanding the epidemiology of this disease. Furthermore, typing information is of critical importance when decisions are made regarding mass vaccination. As early antibiotic treatment may inhibit isolation of the organism, development of novel approaches to diagnosis and typing should be supported.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The varied clinical presentations of meningococcal infection.

The clinical presentation of Neisseria meningitidis may include bacteremia, septic shock, or meningitis. The polysaccharide capsule of the organism appears to be the major determinant and is necessary for specific immunity. Colonization of the nasopharynx is required for invasion, and persons with complement component deficiencies are particularly at risk of infection. The organism can be detected by culture of blood or spinal fluid, or by antigen detection in spinal fluid. Prompt therapy with penicillin G is necessary for a good outcome. The occurrence of secondary cases requires that prophylactic therapy be administered to close contacts of index cases. The cases presented herein illustrate a variety of manifestations of meningococcal infection, and all of the patients initially were seen in primary care settings. It is important for physicians to be vigilant for these infections so that appropriate therapy may be instituted rapidly.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in treatment of fulminant meningococcal infection].

This article reports about a young boy with fulminant meningococcal septicemia. Conventional treatment with antibiotics, intensive care and hemostatic drugs hold up vital functions. Because of extensive purpura fulminans with skin necrosis recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) was used. Under this therapy clinical improvement was observed.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1976

Complement and meningococcal infection.

Serum C3 levels were measured in 211 patients with meningococcal disease. Low levels were found in 13 patients with acute meningococcaemia, and complement activation may have contributed to the peripheral circulatory collapse that was responsible for nine deaths. The complement profile of these patients suggested activation of both classical and alternative complement pathways. Patients with meningitis had a higher mean serum C3 level than controls. Serial studies in 13 serum antigen-positive patients with meningitis who subsequently developed arthritis or cutaneous vasculitis showed a transient fall in serum C3 in eight. This fall was probably due to the formation of immune complexes that were responsible for their allergic complications.

Adult↗