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Pneumococcal meningitis and endotoxemia: A cross-sectional clinical study

Sylvie Nguyen1, Jeanne Godon2, Jean-Paul Pais de Barros3

  • 1Lipness Team, INSERM Research Centre LNC-UMR1231 and LabEx LipSTIC, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France.

Plos One
|May 21, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is not a key factor in pneumococcal meningitis inflammation. Studies show no significant difference in LPS levels between meningitis patients and healthy individuals, despite higher inflammatory markers in patients.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a critical virulence factor in meningococcal and Haemophilus influenzae meningitis.
  • Pneumococcus, unlike other bacteria, does not produce LPS but may contribute to bacterial translocation during sepsis.
  • The role of LPS in pneumococcal meningitis-associated inflammation requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in pneumococcal meningitis.
  • To determine if LPS contributes to the systemic inflammation observed in pneumococcal meningitis.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 24 pneumococcal meningitis patients and 34 healthy volunteers.
  • Measurement of plasma interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein as systemic inflammation markers.
  • Quantification of plasma LPS using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Main Results:

  • Pneumococcal meningitis patients exhibited significantly elevated C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels compared to healthy controls.
  • No significant difference was found in plasma lipopolysaccharide concentrations between meningitis patients and healthy volunteers.
  • These findings indicate that LPS is not a primary driver of inflammation in severe pneumococcal meningitis.

Conclusions:

  • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) does not appear to be a significant determinant of excessive inflammation in severe pneumococcal meningitis.
  • The inflammatory response in pneumococcal meningitis is likely driven by factors other than LPS.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms of inflammation in pneumococcal meningitis.

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