Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2025

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
Published on: April 7, 2015
Case Report: Persistency Pneumococcal Polysaccharide in Cerebrospinal Fluid During a Post Pneumococcal Chronic
Manon Ladeveze1, Yann Dumont2, G Boursier3
1Département Urgences Post-Urgences, CEREMAIA, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
Abstract:
We report the case of a 9-months-old boy that has presented a steroid-dependent post-pneumococcal chronic aseptic meningitis was associated with persistence of pneumococcal cell wall components in cerebrospinal fluid during more than 20 months. Suggesting that this antigenic persistence could be involved in post-infectious manifestations through innate immunity response.
Insights
Chronic aseptic meningitis in an infant persisted for over 20 months due to lingering pneumococcal components. This suggests a role for innate immunity in post-infectious conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Neuroimmunology
- Microbial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Post-infectious meningitis can lead to chronic neurological complications.
- Steroid-dependent inflammation necessitates understanding underlying mechanisms.
Observation:
- A 9-month-old boy experienced chronic aseptic meningitis following pneumococcal infection.
- Pneumococcal cell wall components were detected in his cerebrospinal fluid for over 20 months.
Findings:
- Persistent pneumococcal antigens in cerebrospinal fluid were observed.
- The prolonged antigenic presence correlated with steroid-dependent meningitis.
Implications:
- Antigenic persistence may trigger chronic inflammation via innate immune responses.
- This case highlights a potential mechanism for prolonged post-infectious neurological sequelae.

