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Changes in cerebrospinal fluid biotinidase activity in Staphylococcus aureus meningitis
C De Felice1, K Hayakawa, K Nihei
1Endocrine and Metabolism Research Laboratory, National Children's Medical Research Center, National Children's Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Brain & Development
|March 1, 1994
Summary
An early rise in biotinidase activity in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was observed during Staphylococcus aureus meningitis in a patient with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). This suggests a potential role for CSF biotinidase in managing opioid neuropeptides during central nervous system inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, progressive complication of measles virus infection affecting the central nervous system.
- Staphylococcus aureus meningitis is a severe bacterial infection causing inflammation of the meninges.
- Biotinidase is an enzyme crucial for biotin metabolism, primarily known for its role in the periphery.
Observation:
- An unusual increase in biotinidase activity was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a patient during an acute episode of Staphylococcus aureus meningitis.
- The patient also had a pre-existing diagnosis of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).
Findings:
- The early elevation of CSF biotinidase activity during acute bacterial meningitis is a novel observation.
- This finding suggests that biotinidase may be involved in the central nervous system's response to inflammatory processes.
Implications:
- CSF biotinidase might play a role in hydrolyzing specific opioid neuropeptides within the CSF during central nervous system inflammation.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise function of biotinidase in the context of meningitis and other neurological inflammatory conditions.