Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 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

Fatal meningococcemia

John Tabacco1, Elizabeth Suniega, Fardad Sarabchi

  • 1Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives
|July 25, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Two cases of meningococcal disease, Waterhouse-Friedrichsen Syndrome and meningococcemia, presented differently but led to cardiovascular collapse. This highlights two distinct pathways of Neisseria meningitidis pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis is a significant cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis.
  • Fulminant meningococcemia and Waterhouse-Friedrichsen Syndrome represent severe, rapidly progressing forms of meningococcal disease.
  • Understanding the diverse pathogenic mechanisms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Observation:

  • Two distinct cases of severe meningococcal disease were observed at Union Memorial Hospital within six years.
  • Case 1: Waterhouse-Friedrichsen Syndrome.
  • Case 2: Fulminant meningococcemia, differing in serogroup and histopathology.

Findings:

  • Both cases, despite varied clinical presentations and microbiologic profiles, resulted in rapid cardiovascular collapse.
  • The reports illustrate two distinct pathological pathways through which Neisseria meningitidis can cause severe systemic illness.
  • Complete cardiovascular collapse occurred in less than 12 hours in both instances.

Implications:

  • These cases underscore the critical need for prompt recognition of meningococcal disease, regardless of presentation.
  • Illustrates the multifaceted pathogenicity of Neisseria meningitidis.
  • Highlights the potential for rapid progression to shock and multi-organ failure in severe meningococcal infections.
Keywords:
Infectious disease

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

Related Concept Videos

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...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
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,...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...