Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells
10:12

Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells

Published on: July 14, 2020

[Cerebral trunk abscess due to Neisseria meningitidis in a 28-year-old immunocompetent patient]

C Faisant1, J P Cochin, N Rapoport

  • 1Service de neurologie, centre hospitalier du Havre, 29, avenue Pierre-Mendès, 76290 Montivilliers, France. charlesfaisant@hotmail.com

Revue Neurologique
|January 31, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Meningococcal disease, typically causing meningitis or sepsis, can present with rare complications like brain abscesses. This case highlights a rare instance of meningococcal infection involving brain abscesses and joint inflammation in an immunocompetent individual.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Meningococcal disease encompasses diverse clinical presentations, with meningitis and meningococcemia being most frequent.
  • Other known manifestations include septic arthritis, pericarditis, pleurisy, and conjunctivitis.
  • Brain abscesses are an exceptionally rare complication of Neisseria meningitidis infections.

Observation:

  • A case study of a 28-year-old immunocompetent patient is presented.
  • The patient exhibited symptoms of meningococcal infection.
  • The infection was associated with the development of brain abscesses and oligo-arthritis.

Findings:

  • This case represents a rare convergence of meningococcal infection, brain abscesses, and oligo-arthritis.
  • The patient's immunocompetent status makes the development of these severe complications noteworthy.
  • Confirms that Neisseria meningitidis can lead to central nervous system and joint involvement.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering unusual presentations of meningococcal disease.
  • Suggests the need for thorough diagnostic workups in cases of unexplained neurological and rheumatological symptoms.
  • Underscores the potential for severe, multi-systemic complications from Neisseria meningitidis, even in immunocompetent individuals.

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain 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,...
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...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...