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Published on: April 1, 2014

Endotoxin release from invasive meningococci related to sulfonamide resistance, serogroup and serotype

B M Andersen, O Solberg, E Holten

    Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
    |January 1, 1987
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study investigated endotoxin release in Neisseria meningitidis strains causing disease. High endotoxin activity was common, with some serogroups and serotypes showing greater release, irrespective of sulfonamide resistance.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Immunology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Neisseria meningitidis is a significant cause of bacterial meningitis.
    • Understanding factors like endotoxin release and antimicrobial resistance is crucial for managing meningococcal disease.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To examine the relationship between endotoxin liberation, sulfonamide resistance, and serological characteristics of Neisseria meningitidis.
    • To determine if endotoxin activity correlates with specific serogroups or serotypes.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of 28 Neisseria meningitidis strains from patients with meningococcal disease.
    • Assessment of sulfonamide resistance.
    • Quantification of free endotoxin activity in bacterial cultures.
    • Serogrouping and serotyping of the strains.

    Main Results:

    • Sulfonamide resistance was observed in 15 out of 28 strains.
    • High free endotoxin activity (≥10^2) was detected in 27 out of 28 strains.
    • Elevated endotoxin release (≥10^3) was more frequently associated with serogroup C strains and serotypes 2 and 15/16 compared to non-typable strains.

    Conclusions:

    • High endotoxin activity is a common feature of invasive Neisseria meningitidis, regardless of sulfonamide resistance.
    • Specific serogroups (C) and serotypes (2, 15/16) may exhibit higher endotoxin release, potentially influencing disease pathogenesis.

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