Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
05:55
Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection
Published on: May 7, 2020
LOCAL SPECIFIC THERAPY OF EXPERIMENTAL PNEUMOCOCCAL MENINGITIS : III. INCIDENTAL MYELITIS, ABSCESS, AND ORGANIZATION
1Laboratories of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Experimental pneumococcal meningitis in dogs frequently causes central cord lesions that can progress to myelitis. Unlike pneumonia, the condition tends toward organization rather than resolution, with late lesions showing extensive perivascular changes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Veterinary Pathology
Background:
- Pneumococcal meningitis can affect the central nervous system.
- Understanding the progression of meningitis in animal models is crucial for human disease insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathological changes in the spinal cord during experimental pneumococcal meningitis in dogs.
- To characterize the development and nature of central nervous system lesions.
Main Methods:
- Induction of Type I pneumococcal meningitis in a canine model.
- Histopathological examination of central nervous system tissues at various time points.
- Observation of lesion progression and characteristic cellular responses.
Main Results:
- Central cord involvement was observed commonly after day 2, progressing to suppurative myelitis.
- Abscess formation was infrequent, arising from perivascular spread or infected purpuric lesions.
- Prolonged, untreated meningitis led to lesion organization, not resolution, with extensive perivascular clasmatocytic apparatus development in late stages.
Conclusions:
- Experimental pneumococcal meningitis in dogs leads to significant central cord pathology.
- The disease progression in this model is characterized by myelitis and lesion organization, with unique late-stage cellular responses.
- Findings provide insights into CNS complications of bacterial meningitis.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:26Bacterial 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...
01:22Bacterial 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...
01:24Bacterial 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...
01:18Viral 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...
01:27Cryptococcal 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,...