Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 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

7.0K

Group A streptococcal meningitis: a case report

Marina Busetti1, Federico Marchetti, Eleonora Croci

  • 1Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy.

The New Microbiologica
|November 2, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) meningitis is rare in children but causes severe illness. This case highlights the importance of considering GAS in pediatric meningitis, even with vaccination.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is an uncommon cause of bacterial meningitis, representing less than 1% of cases.
  • GAS meningitis in children is infrequently reported but associated with significant morbidity (46%) and mortality (10-17%).

Observation:

  • A case of meningitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) in a previously healthy child is presented.
  • M protein genotyping identified the specific emm type 12 strain responsible for the infection.

Findings:

  • This case underscores that GAS meningitis, though rare, can occur in pediatric populations.
  • The identified emm type 12 strain is a potential contributor to invasive GAS disease.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers should consider GAS meningitis in the differential diagnosis for children presenting with meningitis, especially those vaccinated against other common pathogens.
  • Ongoing surveillance of the molecular epidemiology of invasive GAS strains is essential for public health interventions and policy development.

More Related Videos

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization10:19

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization

Published on: November 16, 2016

13.8K

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...
32
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...
49
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...
219
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...
48
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
1.0K
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
548