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Neisseria meningitidis: occurrence in non-pneumonic pulmonary infections
J J Christensen1, O Gadeberg, B Bruun
1Statens Seruminstitut's Department of Clinical Microbiology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
A two-year survey at our hospital revealed 19 patients suspected of pulmonary infection from whom Neisseria meningitidis was isolated from lower respiratory tract specimens, in 17 cases in pure culture. Of the isolates, 16, two and one belonged to serogroup B, C and 29E, respectively. All except three patients suffered from chronic pulmonary disease, notably chronic bronchitis. It was found likely or possible that N. meningitidis was the causative agent in 12 patients with symptoms of acute bronchitis. Results of tests for complement-fixing antibodies against N. meningitidis (MAT) were generally not found to be useful when assessing the possible causative role of N. meningitidis in non-pneumonic pulmonary infections.
Insights
Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium, can cause pulmonary infections, particularly in patients with chronic lung disease. Diagnostic antibody tests were not helpful for non-pneumonic infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a bacterium primarily known for causing meningitis.
- Pulmonary infections are common, especially in individuals with underlying chronic lung conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Neisseria meningitidis in pulmonary infections.
- To evaluate the utility of serological tests in diagnosing these infections.
Main Methods:
- A two-year survey of patients with suspected pulmonary infections.
- Isolation of Neisseria meningitidis from lower respiratory tract specimens.
- Serogrouping of isolates and assessment of patient clinical data.
- Evaluation of the usefulness of Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) for complement-fixing antibodies.
Main Results:
- Neisseria meningitidis was isolated from 19 patients with suspected pulmonary infections, often in pure culture (17/19).
- The majority of isolates (16/19) belonged to serogroup B.
- Most patients (16/19) had pre-existing chronic pulmonary disease, such as chronic bronchitis.
- N. meningitidis was considered a likely or possible cause of acute bronchitis in 12 patients.
- The Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) was found to be of limited value in diagnosing N. meningitidis in non-pneumonic pulmonary infections.
Conclusions:
- Neisseria meningitidis can be an etiological agent in pulmonary infections, especially in patients with chronic lung disease.
- The bacterium may play a role in acute bronchitis.
- Current serological diagnostic methods like MAT are not reliable for assessing N. meningitidis's role in non-pneumonic respiratory infections.