Meningitis in adolescents: the role of commensal microbiota

Trends Microbiol. 2015 Apr;23(4):181-2. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2015.02.004.

Abstract

The pathogen Neisseria meningitidis causes disease amongst infants and adolescents/young adults. Here we argue that disease amongst adolescents is due largely to interaction between N. meningitidis and other members of the upper respiratory tract microbiota, through a metabolic interaction involving exchange of propionic acid.

Keywords: Neisseria meningitidis; anaerobes; propionic acid; symbiosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / microbiology*
  • Microbiota / physiology*
  • Neisseria meningitidis / metabolism*
  • Neisseria meningitidis / pathogenicity
  • Porphyromonas / metabolism
  • Propionates / metabolism
  • Symbiosis*

Substances

  • Propionates
  • propionic acid