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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Purification and Visualization of Lipopolysaccharide from Gram-negative Bacteria by Hot Aqueous-phenol Extraction
05:31

Purification and Visualization of Lipopolysaccharide from Gram-negative Bacteria by Hot Aqueous-phenol Extraction

Published on: May 28, 2012

Neisseria meningitidis lipopolysaccharides in human pathology

P Brandtzaeg1, A Bjerre, R Øvstebø

  • 1Departments of Pediatrics, Ullevål University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. petter.brandtzaeg@ioks.uio.no

Journal of Endotoxin Research
|December 26, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Neisseria meningitidis lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are toxic, driving severe septic shock. Early antibiotic treatment rapidly reduces LPS and improves outcomes, though lipid A blockade trials have failed to lower mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis causes severe infections like meningitis and septicemia, primarily in children and young adults.
  • Lipopolysaccharides (LPS), particularly the toxic Lipid A component, are key virulence factors.
  • LPS levels correlate with disease severity, inflammatory mediators, and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of LPS in meningococcal disease pathogenesis and patient outcomes.
  • To assess the impact of LPS levels on clinical manifestations and mortality.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of early antibiotic treatment and potential lipid A-blocking therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Quantification of LPS in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid using the Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay.
  • Monitoring of inflammatory mediators, clinical symptoms, and coagulopathy.
  • Analysis of treatment effects on LPS, cytokine levels, and coagulation factors.

Main Results:

  • High plasma LPS levels are associated with persistent septic shock, organ failure, and coagulopathy.
  • Mortality risk significantly increases with elevated plasma LPS concentrations.
  • Effective antibiotic treatment leads to rapid LPS clearance and reduced inflammatory markers.
  • Hemorrhagic lesions and thrombosis are linked to tissue factor upregulation and PAI-1 inhibition.

Conclusions:

  • LPS is a critical determinant of severity and mortality in meningococcal septicemia.
  • Early antibiotic intervention is crucial for reducing LPS levels and improving patient survival.
  • Targeting Lipid A has not yet proven effective in reducing mortality in clinical trials.

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