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[Pathogenetic and pathomorphological problems of viral-bacterial associations in children dying of meningococcal
Abstract:
The information on 63 children dying from hypertoxic forms of meningococcal infection is presented. Four groups of brain damage by respiratory viruses (RV) are distinguished on the basis of the results of morphological and virological examination: 1) with a recent RV generalization (26 cases); 2) with dissemination of an etiological agent but without clear-cut structural changes (6 cases); 3) with an isolated affection of the brain (13 cases); 4) without clear-cut brain damage. Experimental influenza-meningococcal infection was reproduced in 260 white rats. Enhancement of the animal death rate, multiplication of virus and the degree of brain damage in cases of combined action of both etiological agents is demonstrated. The ability of influenza virus, when inoculated intranasally together with meningococcus, to penetrate and to multiply in the brain provoking meningitis and choroiditis is shown virologically, histologically and electron microscopically.
Insights
Meningococcal infections in children can be worsened by respiratory viruses, particularly influenza. Combined infections increase mortality and brain damage, highlighting a critical interaction in severe disease.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Meningococcal infection is a significant cause of mortality in children.
- Respiratory viruses (RV) are common and can complicate bacterial infections.
- The interaction between meningococcus and RV in severe disease is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of respiratory viruses in fatal pediatric meningococcal infections.
- To examine the pathological changes in the brain associated with these co-infections.
- To experimentally model the combined effects of influenza virus and meningococcus.
Main Methods:
- Morphological and virological examination of 63 fatal pediatric cases.
- Classification of brain damage based on viral presence and structural changes.
- Experimental reproduction of influenza-meningococcal infection in 260 rats.
Main Results:
- Four distinct groups of brain damage related to RV were identified in children.
- Experimental co-infection in rats showed increased mortality, viral multiplication, and brain damage.
- Influenza virus was shown to penetrate the brain, multiply, and cause meningitis and choroiditis when combined with meningococcus.
Conclusions:
- Respiratory viruses, especially influenza, can exacerbate hypertoxic meningococcal infections in children.
- Combined influenza and meningococcal infections lead to increased mortality and severe neuropathology.
- The study demonstrates a synergistic detrimental effect of influenza virus on meningococcal pathogenesis in the brain.