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Microbial genome dynamics in CNS pathogenesis.

Davidsen T, Koomey M, Tønjum T

Centre for Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, Institute of Microbiology, Rikshospitalet-Radiumhospitalet Medical Centre, Sognsvannsveien 20, NO-0027 Oslo, Norway.

The balancing act between microbes and their host in commensal and disease states needs to be deciphered in order to fully treat and combat infectious diseases. The elucidation of microbial genome dynamics in each instance is therefore required. In this context, the major bacterial meningitis pathogens are Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. In prokaryotic CNS pathogenesis both the intact organism as well as its released components can elicit disease, often resulting in neurological sequelae, neurodegeneration or fatal outcome. The study of microbial virulence in CNS disease is expected to generate findings that yield new information on the general mechanisms of brain edema and excitatory neuronal disturbances due to meningitis, with significant potential for discoveries that can directly influence and inspire new strategies for prevention and treatment of this serious disease.

Published 24 April 2007 in Neuroscience, 145(4): 1375-87.
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