Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model
07:26

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model

Published on: July 1, 2018

[Study on periodically prevalent feature for epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis in China]

X Hu1

  • 1Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Beijing.

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Liuxingbingxue Zazhi
|June 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis (ECM) in China shows cyclic prevalence. Predominant Neisseria meningitidis group A types drive these epidemics, spreading periodically from north to south.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis (ECM) is a significant public health concern in China.
  • Understanding the cyclical patterns of ECM is crucial for effective prevention and control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the periodically prevalent features of epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis (ECM) in China.
  • To identify the bacterial types responsible for cyclic epidemics and their spread patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Cluster analysis of multilocus enzyme electrophoresis.
  • Chromosomal DNA fingerprinting and outer membrane protein class 1 subserotyping of Neisseria meningitidis group A.
  • Analysis of bacterial strains from 1960s-1980s and 40 years of morbidity data.

Main Results:

  • ECM exhibits distinct cyclic prevalence in China.
  • Different predominant types of Neisseria meningitidis group A cause these cyclic epidemics.
  • Epidemics predominantly spread from north to south, though patterns vary regionally.

Conclusions:

  • Neisseria meningitidis group A strains are responsible for the cyclic epidemics of ECM in China.
  • Molecular methods provide a basis for understanding ECM prevalence mechanisms.
  • Regional variations in epidemic patterns warrant further investigation.

More Related Videos

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Lymphocyte Infiltration in Central Nervous System during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis09:01

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Lymphocyte Infiltration in Central Nervous System during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: November 17, 2020

Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing of Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Detection of Central Nervous System Pathogens10:08

Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing of Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Detection of Central Nervous System Pathogens

Published on: April 17, 2026

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...