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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
10:03
Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
Published on: November 5, 2019
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ROLE OF THE CASE OF CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS
Abstract:
That carriers are not the infecting agent in most cases of cerebrospinal meningitis is suggested. It does not seem probable that meningococci are present in the naso-pharynx of premeningococus cases in numbers large enough to be a menace. These findings rest on negative results of swabbings taken shortly before the onset of the disease.
Insights
Carriers likely do not spread cerebrospinal meningitis. Meningococci bacteria were not found in high enough numbers in the nose and throat of pre-meningitis cases to pose a significant risk.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cerebrospinal meningitis is a serious infection.
- The role of asymptomatic carriers in disease transmission is often debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of carriers in the transmission of cerebrospinal meningitis.
- To determine if meningococci are present in significant numbers in the nasopharynx of individuals before the onset of meningitis.
Main Methods:
- Swabbings of the nasopharynx were collected from individuals shortly before the onset of cerebrospinal meningitis.
- Samples were analyzed for the presence of meningococci.
Main Results:
- Negative results were obtained from swabbings.
- Meningococci were not found in numbers sufficient to be considered a significant threat.
Conclusions:
- Carriers are unlikely to be the primary infecting agent in most cases of cerebrospinal meningitis.
- The presence of meningococci in the nasopharynx of pre-meningitis cases is likely insufficient to cause widespread outbreaks.
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