Genetic variation of innate immune response genes in invasive pneumococcal and meningococcal disease applied to the pathogenesis of meningitis

26Citations
Citations of this article
75Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.
Get full text

Abstract

The susceptibility, severity and prognosis of infectious diseases depend on the ability of the host immune system to respond to pathogens. Genetic variation of immune response genes is associated with susceptibility to and severity of infectious diseases. Bacterial meningitis (BM) is a serious and life-threatening infectious disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Despite adequate antibiotic treatment and immunization strategies, mortality remains high, especially in developing countries. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis are the two most common causative microorganisms of BM worldwide. The pathogenesis of BM starts with mucosal bacterial colonization, followed by invasion and survival of bacteria in the bloodstream, crossing of the blood-brain barrier, finally causing infection in the CNS, where host defense is less adequate. Host defense to BM starts with a complex cascade of pathogen recognition and subsequent intracellular signaling causing transcription of genes leading to the production of inflammatory mediators. Although this immune reaction is essential for killing microbes, it is also associated with damage to healthy cells and thus adverse disease outcome. This review provides an overview of the pathogenesis of invasive pneumococcal disease and invasive meningococcal disease related to the influence of genetic variation in genes involved in innate immunity, focusing on BM. © 2011 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Sanders, M. S., Van Well, G. T. J., Ouburg, S., Morré, S. A., & Van Furth, A. M. (2011, July). Genetic variation of innate immune response genes in invasive pneumococcal and meningococcal disease applied to the pathogenesis of meningitis. Genes and Immunity. https://doi.org/10.1038/gene.2011.20

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free