Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat
08:27

Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat

Published on: October 29, 2014

Bacterial meningitis in children

Xavier Sáez-Llorens1, George H McCracken

  • 1University of Panama School of Medicine, Hospital del Niño, Panama City, Panama. xsaezll@cwpanama.net

Lancet (London, England)
|June 27, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial meningitis is rare in developed nations but devastating in developing countries. Research is crucial for new treatments and worldwide vaccine implementation to prevent this infection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis epidemiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, prognosis, and prevention are reviewed, focusing on pediatric cases.
  • Changes in bacterial meningitis landscape include reduced Haemophilus influenzae, emerging antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, and increased Neisseria meningitidis outbreaks.
  • Significant research is underway for conjugate vaccines against pneumococcal and meningococcal meningitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of bacterial meningitis, emphasizing the pediatric population.
  • To highlight the evolving challenges and research directions in bacterial meningitis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review encompassing epidemiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, clinical aspects, diagnosis, management, prognosis, and prevention.
  • Analysis of recent trends including antibiotic resistance, vaccine development, and global disparities.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial meningitis is now uncommon in developed countries but remains a severe threat in developing nations.
  • Emergence of multidrug-resistant and vancomycin-tolerant pneumococci, alongside meningococcal outbreaks, presents ongoing challenges.
  • Development of conjugate vaccines for pneumococcal and meningococcal meningitis shows promise.

Conclusions:

  • Despite advances, bacterial meningitis requires continued basic and clinical research for novel antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents.
  • Global distribution and implementation of effective vaccines are essential for preventing bacterial meningitis worldwide.

More Related Videos

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

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 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...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
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...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...