Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
06:04

Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Published on: February 24, 2023

PARAMENINGOCOCCUS AND ITS ANTISERUM

M Wollstein1

  • 1Laboratories of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.

The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Parameningococci, a distinct strain of meningococci, show unique serological reactions and protective effects. Including parameningococci in antimeningococcic serum production is recommended for enhanced efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Bacteriology

Background:

  • Parameningococci are culturally similar to Neisseria meningitidis (meningococci) but exhibit distinct serological properties.
  • Variations in serum reactions within normal meningococcal strains complicate strict classification.
  • Parameningococci represent a special, albeit internally inconsistent, strain within the broader meningococcal group.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the serological differences between parameningococci and typical meningococci.
  • To evaluate the protective effects of immune sera against parameningococcal and meningococcal infections.
  • To determine the optimal strategy for incorporating parameningococci into polyvalent antimeningococcic serum production.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative serological analysis including agglutination, opsonization, and complement deviation assays.
  • Assessment of protective effects using monovalent immune sera in experimental infections in guinea pigs and monkeys.
  • Evaluation of different immunization strategies for producing antimeningococcic serum.

Main Results:

  • Parameningococci demonstrated significant differences in agglutination, opsonization, and complement deviation compared to normal meningococci.
  • Monovalent immune sera showed varying protective effects against infections caused by different meningococcal strains in animal models.
  • Serum reaction irregularities within normal meningococcal strains preclude their strict separation from parameningococci.

Conclusions:

  • Parameningococci should be considered a distinct strain of meningococci with unique immunological characteristics.
  • The inclusion of parameningococcus strains in the preparation of polyvalent antimeningococcic serum is highly desirable for improved efficacy.
  • Further research is needed to optimize immunization protocols, specifically whether to combine normal and para strains during or after horse immunization.

More Related Videos

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae Using the Quellung Reaction04:25

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae Using the Quellung Reaction

Published on: February 24, 2014

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination09:11

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination

Published on: September 25, 2014

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...