Update on immunology associated with bacterial meningitis / 国际儿科学杂志

ABSTRACT

Bacterial meningitis is one of the most common infectious diseases of the central nervous system in childhood,with high mortality and disability rate despite available treatment.Studies have shown that the host's immunity dysfunction after the infection plays a central role in neurological sequelae.The deposition and activation of complement component C3 on the bacterial surface is a key step in the complement cascade leading to elimination of the microbe,and the level of complement component C3 or C5 in cerebrospinal fluid may predict outcome of bacterial meningitis.After the microorganisms cross the blood-brain barrier,bacterial compounds are recognized by pattern recognition receptors,triggering the production of excessive cytokines,attracting leukocytes and generating oxidative stress,which contributes to neuron injury irreversibly.This review focuses on current research progress on immunology associated with pneumococcal meningitis.