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Fluorescence-based Neuraminidase Inhibition Assay to Assess the Susceptibility of Influenza Viruses to The Neuraminidase Inhibitor Class of Antivirals
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Fluorescence-based Neuraminidase Inhibition Assay to Assess the Susceptibility of Influenza Viruses to The Neuraminidase Inhibitor Class of Antivirals

Published on: April 15, 2017

Neuraminidase activity in bacterial meningitis

R D O'Toole, L Goode, C Howe

    The Journal of Clinical Investigation
    |May 1, 1971
    PubMed

    Insights

    Neuraminidase enzyme activity was studied in bacterial meningitis. Elevated free N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) in cerebrospinal fluid was linked to severe pneumococcal meningitis outcomes.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Neurology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Bacterial meningitis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
    • The role of specific bacterial enzymes, such as neuraminidase, in disease pathogenesis is not fully understood.
    • N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) is a key component of sialylated glycoconjugates and its metabolism can be altered during infection.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the presence and activity of neuraminidase in different types of bacterial meningitis.
    • To determine the correlation between neuraminidase activity and clinical outcomes, including morbidity and mortality.
    • To assess the levels of free and total NANA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of meningitis patients and their association with disease severity.

    Main Methods:

    • Neuraminidase and N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) aldolase activity were assayed in bacterial strains isolated from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
    • CSF samples from patients with Haemophilus influenzae, meningococcal, and pneumococcal meningitis were analyzed for free and total NANA concentrations.
    • Clinical data, including patient survival, presence of coma, and bacteremia, were correlated with CSF NANA levels.

    Main Results:

    • Neuraminidase was not detected in H. influenzae or meningococcal strains, but was elaborated by all tested pneumococcal strains.
    • Elevated total NANA levels were observed in all types of bacterial meningitis.
    • Abnormal concentrations of free CSF NANA were specifically found in pneumococcal meningitis patients, and were associated with coma, bacteremia, and poorer survival rates.

    Conclusions:

    • Neuraminidase is produced by Streptococcus pneumoniae but not by H. influenzae or Neisseria meningitidis.
    • Elevated free CSF NANA concentrations are a potential biomarker for severe pneumococcal meningitis.
    • Neuraminidase may play a role in the pathogenesis of pneumococcal meningitis, contributing to adverse clinical outcomes.

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