This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Copyright Information Books from ASM Press MicrobeWorld Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Harrison, O. B. Articles by Heyderman, R. S. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Harrison, O. B. Articles by Heyderman, R. S.

Analysis of Pathogen-Host Cell Interactions in Purpura Fulminans: Expression of Capsule, Type IV Pili, and PorA by Neisseria meningitidis In Vivo

Infectious Diseases & Microbiology,¹ Paediatrics,² Histopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London,⁴ Pathology & Microbiology,⁵ Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom³

Received 21 March 2002/ Returned for modification 25 April 2002/ Accepted 17 June 2002

The pattern of meningococcal surface structure expression in different microenvironments following bloodstream invasion in vivo is not known. We used immunohistochemistry to determine the expression of capsule, type IV pili, and PorA by meningococci residing in the skin lesions of children with purpura fulminans. All the skin biopsy samples showed evidence of thrombosis and, frequently, a perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrate consisting of neutrophils (elastase positive) and monocytes/macrophages (CD68 positive). Modified Gram staining revealed 20 to over 100 gram-negative diplococci in each 4-µm-thick section, usually grouped into microcolonies. Immunoperoxidase staining demonstrated that the invading meningococci expressed PorA, capsule, and type IV pilin. Expression of these antigens was not restricted to any particular environment and was found in association with meningococci located in leukocytes, small blood vessels, and the dermal interstitium. Confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated coexpression of pilin and capsule by numerous microcolonies. However, there was some discordance in capsule and pilin expression within the microcolonies, suggesting phase variation. The strategy employed in this study will be helpful in investigating invasive bacterial diseases where antigenic and phase variation has a significant impact on virulence and on vaccine design.

Editor: D. L. Burns

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Munford, R. S. (2008). Sensing Gram-Negative Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides: a Human Disease Determinant?. Infect. Immun. 76: 454-465 [Full Text]  
• Munford, R. S. (2005). Invited review: Detoxifying endotoxin: time, place and person. Innate Immunity 11: 69-84 [Abstract]  
• Wright, J. C., Hood, D. W., Randle, G. A., Makepeace, K., Cox, A. D., Li, J., Chalmers, R., Richards, J. C., Moxon, E. R. (2004). lpt6, a Gene Required for Addition of Phosphoethanolamine to Inner-Core Lipopolysaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae. J. Bacteriol. 186: 6970-6982 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• van der Woude, M. W., Baumler, A. J. (2004). Phase and Antigenic Variation in Bacteria. Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 17: 581-611 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Gidney, M. A. J., Plested, J. S., Lacelle, S., Coull, P. A., Wright, J. C., Makepeace, K., Brisson, J.-R., Cox, A. D., Moxon, E. R., Richards, J. C. (2004). Development, Characterization, and Functional Activity of a Panel of Specific Monoclonal Antibodies to Inner Core Lipopolysaccharide Epitopes in Neisseria meningitidis. Infect. Immun. 72: 559-569 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Peters, M. J., Heyderman, R. S., Faust, S., Dixon, G. L. J., Inwald, D. P., Klein, N. J. (2003). Severe meningococcal disease is characterized by early neutrophil but not platelet activation and increased formation and consumption of platelet-neutrophil complexes. J. Leukoc. Biol. 73: 722-730 [Abstract] [Full Text]