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The Host-Pathogen Interactions and Epicellular Lifestyle of Neisseria meningitidis
August Mikucki1, Nicolie R McCluskey1,2, Charlene M Kahler1
1Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
Abstract:
Neisseria meningitidis is a gram-negative diplococcus and a transient commensal of the human nasopharynx. It shares and competes for this niche with a number of other Neisseria species including N. lactamica, N. cinerea and N. mucosa. Unlike these other members of the genus, N. meningitidis may become invasive, crossing the epithelium of the nasopharynx and entering the bloodstream, where it rapidly proliferates causing a syndrome known as Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD). IMD progresses rapidly to cause septic shock and meningitis and is often fatal despite aggressive antibiotic therapy. While many of the ways in which meningococci survive in the host environment have been well studied, recent insights into the interactions between N. meningitidis and the epithelial, serum, and endothelial environments have expanded our understanding of how IMD develops. This review seeks to incorporate recent work into the established model of pathogenesis. In particular, we focus on the competition that N. meningitidis faces in the nasopharynx from other Neisseria species, and how the genetic diversity of the meningococcus contributes to the wide range of inflammatory and pathogenic potentials observed among different lineages.
Insights
Neisseria meningitidis, a common nasopharyngeal bacterium, can cause deadly Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD). This review explores how its interactions and genetic diversity contribute to pathogenesis and competition within the human host.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogenesis
- Bacterial Genetics
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a gram-negative bacterium colonizing the human nasopharynx.
- It competes with other Neisseria species in this niche.
- Unlike commensals, N. meningitidis can become invasive, leading to Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and integrate recent findings into the established model of N. meningitidis pathogenesis.
- To highlight the role of interspecies competition in the nasopharynx.
- To examine how genetic diversity influences meningococcal pathogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review integrating established knowledge with recent research.
- Focus on host-pathogen interactions at epithelial, serum, and endothelial levels.
- Analysis of competitive dynamics and genetic factors in N. meningitidis.
Main Results:
- Recent studies offer new insights into N. meningitidis interactions with host environments.
- Competition with other Neisseria species is a significant factor in the nasopharyngeal niche.
- Genetic variation within N. meningitidis correlates with diverse pathogenic potentials.
Conclusions:
- Understanding N. meningitidis interactions and genetic diversity is crucial for comprehending IMD development.
- Interspecies competition and bacterial genetic factors shape meningococcal virulence.
- Further research into these aspects can inform strategies against Invasive Meningococcal Disease.
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