Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection
05:55

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection

Published on: May 7, 2020

7.9K

Meningitis caused by a lipopolysaccharide deficient Neisseria meningitidis

Jurgen R Piet1, Afshin Zariri2, Floris Fransen2

  • 1Department of Neurology, Center of Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, PO Box 22660, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Microbiology, Center of Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, PO Box 22660, The Netherlands.

The Journal of Infection
|June 17, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A rare case of meningococcal meningitis was caused by a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-deficient Neisseria meningitidis strain. This LPS-deficient strain, identified through whole genome sequencing, highlights a novel cause of invasive meningococcal disease.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a critical outer membrane component of Neisseria meningitidis.
  • Naturally occurring LPS-deficient meningococcal isolates causing clinical disease have not been previously documented.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with thunderclap headache, and the causative Neisseria meningitidis isolate was found to be LPS-deficient.
  • Whole genome sequencing identified a mutation in the lpxH gene as the cause of LPS deficiency.

Findings:

  • The identified lpxH variant impaired growth in E. coli compared to the wild-type.
  • Insertional inactivation of lpxH in N. meningitidis H44/76 also resulted in an LPS-deficient phenotype.

Implications:

  • This study describes the first known case of invasive meningococcal disease caused by a naturally LPS-deficient meningococcal isolate.
  • The findings expand our understanding of meningococcal pathogenesis and the potential for LPS-deficient strains to cause disease.
Keywords:
LipopolysaccharideMeningitisNeisseria meningitidisThunderclap headacheWhole genome sequencing

More Related Videos

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

7.0K
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

2.3K

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...
14
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...
11
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...
191
Formation of Lipopolysaccharides01:19

Formation of Lipopolysaccharides

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are crucial components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, serving both structural and functional roles. It contributes to membrane stability and protects bacteria from host immune responses. LPS is composed of three major regions—lipid A, a core oligosaccharide, and an O antigen. The biosynthesis and assembly of LPS involve a highly coordinated set of enzymatic reactions and transport mechanisms. Additionally, LPS is recognized as an endotoxin,...
1.1K
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...
11
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
18