meningitis
Molecular PathogenesisAntibody Binding and Complement-Mediated Killing of Invasive Haemophilus influenzae Isolates from Spain, Portugal, and the NetherlandsHaemophilus influenzae is a Gram-negative bacterium that can be classified into typeable (types a through f) and nontypeable (NTHi) groups. This opportunistic pathogen asymptomatically colonizes the mucosal epithelium of the upper respiratory tract, from where it spreads to other neighboring regions, potentially leading to disease. Infection with NTHi can cause otitis...
Host Response and InflammationTRIM32 Drives Pathogenesis in Streptococcal Toxic Shock-Like Syndrome and Streptococcus suis Meningitis by Regulating Innate Immune ResponsesStreptococcus suis is an emerging zoonotic agent that causes streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (STSLS) and meningitis in humans, with high mortality and morbidity. The pathogenesis of both STSLS and central nervous system (CNS) infections caused by S. suis is not well understood. TRIM32, a...
Host Response and InflammationInflammatory Monocytes and Neutrophils Regulate Streptococcus suis-Induced Systemic Inflammation and Disease but Are Not Critical for the Development of Central Nervous System Disease in a Mouse Model of InfectionStreptococcus suis is an important porcine bacterial pathogen and zoonotic agent responsible for sudden death, septic shock, and meningitis. These pathologies are a consequence of elevated bacterial replication leading to exacerbated and uncontrolled inflammation, a hallmark of the S. suis systemic...
Fungal and Parasitic Infections | SpotlightThe Mouse Inhalation Model of Cryptococcus neoformans Infection Recapitulates Strain Virulence in Humans and Shows that Closely Related Strains Can Possess Differential VirulenceCryptococcal meningitis (CM) causes high rates of HIV-related mortality, yet the Cryptococcus factors influencing patient outcome are not well understood. Pathogen-specific traits, such as the strain genotype and degree of antigen shedding, are associated with the clinical outcome, but the underlying biology remains elusive.
Molecular PathogenesisLoss of Trefoil Factor 2 Sensitizes Rat Pups to Systemic Infection with the Neonatal Pathogen Escherichia coli K1Gastrointestinal (GI) colonization of 2-day-old (P2) rat pups with Escherichia coli K1 results in translocation of the colonizing bacteria across the small intestine, bacteremia, and invasion of the meninges, with animals frequently succumbing to lethal infection. Infection, but not colonization, is strongly age dependent; pups become progressively less susceptible to...