Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Meningitis due to penicillin-resistant Neisseria meningitidis in a 20-year-old man

R J Ben1, C C Wang, M L Chu

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Armed Forces Kaohsiung General Hospital, 2 Chung-Cheng 1st Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan Yi Zhi
|January 5, 2002
PubMed

Insights

A case of penicillin-intermediate resistant meningococcal meningitis was identified in Taiwan. High-dose penicillin G was effective, highlighting the need for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria meningitidis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Emerging penicillin resistance in Neisseria meningitidis is a growing global concern.
  • Taiwan has not previously reported penicillin-resistant meningococcal strains.

Observation:

  • A 20-year-old male presented with symptoms of meningitis, including fever, headache, and drowsiness.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed elevated white blood cells and protein, with low glucose.
  • Neisseria meningitidis, serogroup B, was isolated from CSF, exhibiting intermediate resistance to penicillin (MIC 0.125 µg/mL) without beta-lactamase production.

Findings:

  • The patient recovered following treatment with high-dose penicillin G (24 million units/day for 11 days).
  • This case represents the first report of penicillin-intermediate resistant meningococcal meningitis in Taiwan.

Implications:

  • The emergence of penicillin resistance in N. meningitidis necessitates enhanced surveillance in Taiwan.
  • High-dose penicillin G can be a viable treatment option for penicillin-insensitive meningococcal meningitis.
  • Third-generation cephalosporins should be considered for cases unresponsive to penicillin therapy.

More Related Videos

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection05:55

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection

Published on: May 7, 2020

Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells10:12

Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells

Published on: July 14, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Diphtheria01:28

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an acute, toxin-mediated infectious disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a Gram-positive, pleomorphic rod that lacks spore-forming capability and exhibits a characteristic club-shaped morphology under microscopic examination. While C. diphtheriae can asymptomatically colonize mucosal surfaces, clinical disease manifests only when the bacterial strain is lysogenized by a specific β-corynephage. This phage...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...