Mechanisms of microbial traversal of the blood-brain barrier

Nat Rev Microbiol. 2008 Aug;6(8):625-34. doi: 10.1038/nrmicro1952. Epub 2008 Jul 7.

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) infections continue to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Microbial invasion and traversal of the blood-brain barrier is a prerequisite for CNS infections. Pathogens can cross the blood-brain barrier transcellularly, paracellularly and/or in infected phagocytes (the so-called Trojan-horse mechanism). Consequently, pathogens can cause blood-brain barrier dysfunction, including increased permeability, pleocytosis and encephalopathy. A more complete understanding of the microbial-host interactions that are involved in microbial traversal of the blood-brain barrier and the associated barrier dysfunction should help to develop new strategies to prevent CNS infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteremia / microbiology*
  • Bacterial Translocation*
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / microbiology*
  • Central Nervous System Infections / microbiology*
  • Central Nervous System Infections / virology