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The causative pathogen determines the inflammatory profile in cerebrospinal fluid and outcome in patients with

Denis Grandgirard1, Rahel Gäumann, Boubacar Coulibaly

  • 1Neuroinfection Laboratory, Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Friedbuehlstraße 51, 3010 Bern, Switzerland.

Mediators of Inflammation
|July 19, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Bacterial meningitis outcomes depend on the pathogen. Streptococcus pneumonia causes more severe inflammation and higher mortality compared to Neisseria meningitidis or Haemophilus influenza.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis (BM) outcomes, including mortality and brain injury, are dictated by the brain's inflammatory response.
  • Pathogen presence in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) triggers immune cells and leukocyte influx, initiating inflammation.
  • Differences in BM outcomes among pathogens necessitate comparative analysis of CSF inflammatory profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the inflammatory profiles in the CSF of patients with BM caused by distinct bacterial pathogens.
  • To elucidate the pathomechanisms underlying differential outcomes in bacterial meningitis.

Main Methods:

  • CSF inflammatory parameters were assessed in BM patients from Burkina Faso.
  • Key measured parameters included cytokines, chemokines, matrix-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and nitric oxide synthase activity.

Main Results:

  • Streptococcus pneumonia meningitis showed significantly higher CSF concentrations of IFN-γ, MCP-1, and MMP-9.
  • Fatal outcomes in BM were associated with elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-6, and TGF-α.
  • Distinct inflammatory signatures were observed based on the causative bacterial pathogen.

Conclusions:

  • The specific bacterial pathogen determines the intensity and profile of inflammatory mediators in the CSF during bacterial meningitis.
  • Pneumococcal meningitis is linked to a higher case fatality rate compared to meningitis caused by N. meningitidis or H. influenzae.
  • Understanding pathogen-specific inflammation is crucial for predicting and managing bacterial meningitis outcomes.

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