Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 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

Neisseria meningitidis: biology, microbiology, and epidemiology

Nadine G Rouphael1, David S Stephens

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|October 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Neisseria meningitidis causes severe meningitis and septicemia globally. Understanding its biology, epidemiology, and virulence factors is crucial for developing effective vaccines and combating antibiotic resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Pathogen Biology

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis and septicemia in children and young adults.
  • It is an aerobic, Gram-negative diplococcus characterized by its capsule, lipooligosaccharide (LOS), and outer membrane proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biology, microbiology, and epidemiology of Neisseria meningitidis.
  • To highlight the factors contributing to its virulence and the challenges in disease control.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on N. meningitidis.
  • Analysis of phenotypic and genomic typing methods (e.g., genome sequence typing).
  • Examination of colonization mechanisms and immune evasion strategies.

Main Results:

  • N. meningitidis exhibits variable epidemiology and virulence, influenced by its plastic genome and expressed antigens (capsular serogroups A, B, C, W-135, Y, X).
  • Colonization involves pili, motility, LOS, and outer membrane proteins; certain clones are more invasive.
  • Despite vaccine advancements, meningococcal disease persists, exacerbated by low vaccine coverage and rising antibiotic resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Neisseria meningitidis remains a significant global health threat requiring ongoing surveillance and intervention.
  • Effective control strategies must address vaccine accessibility and the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance.

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 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...
Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes01:30

Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes

Spirochetes, unique bacteria in the phylum Spirochaetes, are gram-negative, motile, tightly coiled, slender, and flexible. They inhabit aquatic sediments and animals, with some causing diseases like syphilis. Spirochetes are classified into eight genera based on habitat, pathogenicity, phylogeny, and characteristics.Their distinctive motility arises from endoflagella, located within the cell’s periplasm. These endoflagella anchor at the cell poles and extend along the cell length, encased by a...
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,...