Receptor Blockade to Prevent Pneumococcal Meningitis

In a murine model, combining ceftriaxone with antibodies directed against pIgR and PECAM-1 resulted in fewer bacteria in the brain and less inflammation.

Meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is often associated with long-term sequelae, including intellectual disorders, hearing loss, and neurological deficits. Antibiotic therapy, even if rapid, may not mitigate inflammatory processes that contribute to neurologic damage. Therefore, interventions early in the course of infection are needed. Two receptors on the brain endothelium, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1), are responsible for S. pneumoniae penetrating the blood brain barrier (BBB).

In the present study, researchers investigated the therapeutic effect of antibodies in a murine model. After intravenous injection of bioluminescent S. pneumoniae, intravenous ceftriaxo…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Receptor Blockade to Prevent Pneumococcal Meningitis

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Reviewing Author