Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 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

Characteristics of Neisseria meningitidis isolates causing fatal disease

Susanne Jacobsson1, Per Olcén, Margareta Löfdahl

  • 1National Reference Laboratory for Pathogenic Neisseria, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Orebro University Hospital, Orebro, Sweden. susanne.jacobsson@orebroll.se

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|December 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Fatal meningococcal isolates were characterized by serogroup, serotype, and genosubtype. Serogroup Y and specific genosubtypes were linked to higher mortality, while certain other genosubtypes and penicillin G resistance were associated with decreased fatality.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis causes invasive meningococcal disease with varying fatality rates.
  • Understanding isolate characteristics is crucial for disease prevention and vaccine development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize fatal and non-fatal meningococcal isolates in Sweden (1995-2004).
  • To identify factors associated with mortality.
  • To estimate the coverage of existing outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccines against fatal isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 62 fatal and 474 non-fatal meningococcal isolates.
  • Characterization by serogroup, serotype, genosubtype, multilocus sequence type, and antibiogram.
  • Gathering of basic epidemiological data.

Main Results:

  • Serogroup B predominated in fatal isolates (55%), followed by C (27%), Y (15%), and W-135 (3%).
  • Higher mortality was associated with serogroup Y, specific serotypes (14, 15), and certain genosubtypes.
  • Reduced penicillin G sensitivity and other specific genosubtypes correlated with decreased mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Specific genosubtypes and serogroups influence meningococcal disease mortality.
  • Outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccines show theoretical coverage potential for fatal serogroup B cases.
  • Further research into genosubtype-specific immunity is warranted for vaccine improvement.

More Related Videos

Humanized Mouse Model to Study Bacterial Infections Targeting the Microvasculature11:40

Humanized Mouse Model to Study Bacterial Infections Targeting the Microvasculature

Published on: April 1, 2014

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...
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...
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...
Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence01:20

Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence

Pathogenic bacteria employ a variety of strategies to establish infections, including the secretion of extracellular enzymes that act as potent virulence factors. These enzymes facilitate bacterial colonization of host tissues and help evade immune surveillance. By targeting structural components of host tissues and interfering with immune mechanisms, these enzymes play a pivotal role in disease progression.Extracellular Enzymes Facilitating Tissue Invasion: Several bacterial pathogens secrete...
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,...