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Updated: May 31, 2026
11:32
Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of pneumococcal meningitis
Barry B Mook-Kanamori1, Madelijn Geldhoff, Tom van der Poll
1Department of Neurology, Center of Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|July 8, 2011
Summary
Pneumococcal meningitis, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, leads to severe neurological damage. Understanding its pathophysiology is key to developing new treatments for this deadly infection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pneumococcal meningitis remains a significant cause of mortality and long-term neurological deficits.
- Infection typically begins with nasopharyngeal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae, followed by invasive disease.
- The bacteria navigate host defenses, invade the bloodstream, and cross the blood-brain barrier.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest understanding of pneumococcal meningitis pathophysiology.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for adjunctive treatments.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes current research on the mechanisms of pneumococcal meningitis.
- It discusses findings from experimental animal models.
Main Results:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae triggers inflammatory responses, complement and coagulation system activation, and neutrophil recruitment.
- These processes lead to characteristic complications such as cerebral edema, hydrocephalus, and cerebrovascular issues.
- Bacterial multiplication in the brain activates immune cells, exacerbating inflammation.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of pneumococcal meningitis pathogenesis is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
- Identifying novel targets for adjunctive therapies alongside antimicrobial treatment is essential to improve patient outcomes.
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