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An unusual Neisseria isolated from a case of meningitis
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|July 1, 1968
Abstract:
A Neisseria was isolated from blood culture and cerebrospinal fluid of a child with clinical meningitis. On first isolation this organism failed to produce acid in the usual carbohydrates, and was heavily capsulated. After mouse passage it developed many of the characters of N. meningitidis group C, but was still able to grow at room temperature. Its nature is discussed.
Insights
A novel Neisseria strain causing meningitis in a child showed unique characteristics, including initial acid production failure and room temperature growth. Mouse passage altered its features, resembling Neisseria meningitidis group C.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Bacteriology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neisseria species are significant human pathogens, with Neisseria meningitidis being a leading cause of bacterial meningitis.
- Accurate identification and characterization of Neisseria isolates are crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment of meningitis.
- Atypical presentations or characteristics of Neisseria can pose diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a unique Neisseria isolate obtained from a child diagnosed with meningitis.
- To investigate the phenotypic changes of the Neisseria isolate after in vivo passage in a mouse model.
- To determine the taxonomic and pathogenic potential of the investigated Neisseria strain.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and initial characterization of Neisseria from blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
- Biochemical testing, including acid production in carbohydrates.
- Assessment of capsular morphology and in vitro growth characteristics (e.g., temperature tolerance).
- In vivo passage through a mouse model to observe phenotypic alterations.
Main Results:
- The Neisseria isolate was initially difficult to characterize due to failure to produce acid in standard carbohydrates.
- The organism exhibited heavy capsulation upon initial isolation.
- Following mouse passage, the isolate developed characteristics consistent with Neisseria meningitidis group C.
- A key distinguishing feature was the organism's ability to grow at room temperature, even after mouse passage.
Conclusions:
- The study describes a Neisseria isolate with unusual initial characteristics, presenting a diagnostic challenge.
- In vivo mouse passage induced phenotypic changes, leading to features resembling Neisseria meningitidis group C.
- The persistent ability to grow at room temperature suggests a potentially unique or variant strain requiring further investigation for its clinical significance in meningitis.