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Brusletto BS, Løberg EM, Hellerud BC, Goverud IL, Berg JP, Olstad OK, Gopinathan U, Brandtzaeg P, Øvstebø R. Extensive Changes in Transcriptomic "Fingerprints" and Immunological Cells in the Large Organs of Patients Dying of Acute Septic Shock and Multiple Organ Failure Caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:42. [PMID: 32154187 PMCID: PMC7045056 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Patients developing meningococcal septic shock reveal levels of Neisseria meningitidis (106-108/mL) and endotoxin (101-103 EU/mL) in the circulation and organs, leading to acute cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal failure, coagulopathy and a high case fatality rate within 24 h. Objective: To investigate transcriptional profiles in heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and spleen and immunostain key inflammatory cells and proteins in post mortem formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from meningococcal septic shock patients. Patients and Methods: Total RNA was isolated from FFPE and fresh frozen (FF) tissue samples from five patients and two controls (acute non-infectious death). Differential expression of genes was detected using Affymetrix microarray analysis. Lung and heart tissue samples were immunostained for T-and B cells, macrophages, neutrophils and the inflammatory markers PAI-1 and MCP-1. Inflammatory mediators were quantified in lysates from FF tissues. Results: The transcriptional profiles showed a complex pattern of protein-coding and non-coding RNAs with significant regulation of pathways associated with organismal death, cell death and survival, leukocyte migration, cellular movement, proliferation of cells, cell-to-cell signaling, immune cell trafficking, and inflammatory responses in an organ-specific clustering manner. The canonical pathways including acute phase response-, EIF2-, TREM1-, IL-6-, HMBG1-, PPAR signaling, and LXR/RXR activation were associated with acute heart, pulmonary, and renal failure. Fewer genes were regulated in the liver and particularly in the spleen. The main upstream regulators were TNF, IL-1β, IL-6, RICTOR, miR-6739-3p, and CD3. Increased numbers of inflammatory cells (CD68+, MPO+, CD3+, and CD20+) were found in lungs and heart. PAI-1 inhibiting fibrinolysis and MCP-1 attracting leukocyte were found significantly present in the septic tissue samples compared to the controls. Conclusions: FFPE tissue samples can be suitable for gene expression studies as well as immunostaining of specific cells or molecules. The most pronounced gene expression patterns were found in the organs with highest levels of Neisseria meningitidis DNA. Thousands of protein-coding and non-coding RNA transcripts were altered in lungs, heart and kidneys. We identified specific biomarker panels both protein-coding and non-coding RNA transcripts, which differed from organ to organ. Involvement of many genes and pathways add up and the combined effect induce organ failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Sletbakk Brusletto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Else Marit Løberg
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Ingeborg Løstegaard Goverud
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jens Petter Berg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Unni Gopinathan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petter Brandtzaeg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pediatrics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Reidun Øvstebø
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Early Death From Pediatric Severe Sepsis: Still a Problem and a Mandate for Future Clinical Research. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2017; 18:891-892. [PMID: 28863088 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000001239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Brusletto BS, Hellerud BC, Løberg EM, Goverud IL, Vege Å, Berg JP, Brandtzaeg P, Øvstebø R. Traceability and distribution of Neisseria meningitidis DNA in archived post mortem tissue samples from patients with systemic meningococcal disease. BMC Clin Pathol 2017; 17:10. [PMID: 28824331 PMCID: PMC5559868 DOI: 10.1186/s12907-017-0049-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathophysiology and outcome of meningococcal septic shock is closely associated with the plasma level of N. meningitidis lipopolysaccharides (LPS, endotoxin) and the circulating level of meningococcal DNA. The aim of the present study was to quantify the number of N. meningitidis in different formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples and fresh frozen (FF) tissue samples from patients with systemic meningococcal disease (SMD), to explore the distribution of N. meningitidis in the body. METHODS DNA in FFPE and FF tissue samples from heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen and brain from patients with meningococcal shock and controls (lethal pneumococcal infection) stored at variable times, were isolated. The bacterial load of N. meningitidis DNA was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and primers for the capsule transport A (ctrA) gene (1 copy per N. meningitidis DNA). The human beta-hemoglobin (HBB) gene was quantified to evaluate effect of the storage times (2-28 years) and storage method in archived tissue. RESULTS N. meningitidis DNA was detected in FFPE and FF tissue samples from heart, lung, liver, kidney, and spleen in all patients with severe shock. In FFPE brain, N. meningitidis DNA was only detected in the patient with the highest concentration of LPS in the blood at admission to hospital. The highest levels of N. meningitidis DNA were found in heart tissue (median value 3.6 × 107 copies N. meningitidis DNA/μg human DNA) and lung tissue (median value 3.1 × 107 copies N. meningitidis DNA/μg human DNA) in all five patients. N. meningitidis DNA was not detectable in any of the tissue samples from two patients with clinical meningitis and the controls (pneumococcal infection). The quantity of HBB declined over time in FFPE tissue stored at room temperature, suggesting degradation of DNA. CONCLUSIONS High levels of N. meningitidis DNA were detected in the different tissue samples from meningococcal shock patients, particularly in the heart and lungs suggesting seeding and major proliferation of meningococci in these organs during the development of shock, probably contributing to the multiple organ failure. The age of archived tissue samples appear to have an impact on the amount of quantifiable N. meningitidis DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Sletbakk Brusletto
- Blood Cell Research Group, Section for Research, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital HF, Ullevål Hospital, PO Box 4956 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Else Marit Løberg
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingeborg Løstegaard Goverud
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Åshild Vege
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Section for Forensic Pediatric Pathology, Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jens Petter Berg
- Blood Cell Research Group, Section for Research, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital HF, Ullevål Hospital, PO Box 4956 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petter Brandtzaeg
- Blood Cell Research Group, Section for Research, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital HF, Ullevål Hospital, PO Box 4956 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Reidun Øvstebø
- Blood Cell Research Group, Section for Research, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital HF, Ullevål Hospital, PO Box 4956 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
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Brandtzaeg P, Bjerre A, Øvstebø R, Brusletto B, Joø GB, Kierulf P. Invited review: Neisseria meningitidis lipopolysaccharides in human pathology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/09680519010070060401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis causes meningitis, fulminant septicemia or mild meningococcemia attacking mainly children and young adults. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) consist of a symmetrical hexa-acyl lipid A and a short oligosaccharide chain and are classified in 11 immunotypes. Lipid A is the primary toxic component of N. meningitidis . LPS levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid as determined by Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay are quantitatively closely associated with inflammatory mediators, clinical symptoms, and outcome. Patients with persistent septic shock, multiple organ failure, and severe coagulopathy reveal extraordinarily high levels of LPS in plasma. The cytokine production is compartmentalized to either the circulation or to the subarachnoid space. Mortality related to shock increases from 0% to > 80% with a 10-fold increase of plasma LPS from 10 to 100 endotoxin units/ml. Hemorrhagic skin lesions and thrombosis are caused by up-regulation of tissue factor which induces coagulation, and by inhibition of fibrinolysis by plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). Effective antibiotic treatment results in a rapid decline of plasma LPS (half-life 1—3 h) and cytokines, and reduced generation of thrombin, and PAI-1. Early antibiotic treatment is mandatory. Three intervention trials to block lipid A have not significantly reduced the mortality of meningococcal septicemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petter Brandtzaeg
- Department of Pediatrics, UllevÅl University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,
| | - Anna Bjerre
- Department of Pediatrics, UllevÅl University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway, Department of Clinical Chemistry, UllevÅl University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Reidun Øvstebø
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, UllevÅl University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Berit Brusletto
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, UllevÅl University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gun Britt Joø
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, UllevÅl University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter Kierulf
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, UllevÅl University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Morbidity, mortality and spatial distribution of meningococcal disease, 1974-2007. Epidemiol Infect 2009; 137:1631-40. [PMID: 19327198 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268809002428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify determinants for mortality and sequelae and to analyse the spatial distribution of meningococcal disease, we linked four national Danish registries. In the period 1974-2007, 5924 cases of meningococcal disease were registered. Our analysis confirms known risk factors for a fatal meningococcal disease outcome, i.e. septicaemia and high age (>50 years). The overall case-fatality rate was 7.6%; two phenotypes were found to be associated with increased risk of death; C:2a:P1.2,5 and B:15:P1.7,16. B:15:P1.7,16 was also associated with excess risk of perceptive hearing loss. The incidence rates of meningococcal disease were comparable between densely and less densely populated areas, but patients living further from a hospital were at significantly higher risk of dying from the infection. To improve control of meningococcal disease, it is important to understand the epidemiology and pathogenicity of virulent 'successful clones', such as C:2a:P1.2,5 and B:15:P1.7,16, and, eventually, to develop vaccines against serogroup B.
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Recombinant bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein reduced morbidity in children with severe meningococcal sepsis. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2007; 3:405-6. [PMID: 24395477 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-007-1006-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Abstract
Meningococcus, an obligate human bacterial pathogen, remains a worldwide and devastating cause of epidemic meningitis and sepsis. However, advances have been made in our understanding of meningococcal biology and pathogenesis, global epidemiology, transmission and carriage, host susceptibility, pathophysiology, and clinical presentations. Approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and chemoprophylaxis are now in use on the basis of these advances. Importantly, the next generation of meningococcal conjugate vaccines for serogroups A, C, Y, W-135, and broadly effective serogroup B vaccines are on the horizon, which could eliminate the organism as a major threat to human health in industrialised countries in the next decade. The crucial challenge will be effective introduction of new meningococcal vaccines into developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where they are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Stephens
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Research Service (151I), Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA.
| | | | - Petter Brandtzaeg
- Departments of Paediatrics and Clinical Chemistry, Ullevål University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Abstract
Multiple clinical trials of adjunctive therapy for sepsis and septic shock have been conducted to neutralize bacterial components or to modulate host inflammatory responses to infection but with limited success. Many therapies are only beneficial only in patients with a high severity of illness and have minimal or harmful effects in patients that are less severely ill. Improved measures of severity of illness and discovery of biomarkers to help identify these high-risk patients are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Seam
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Wallace M, Harcourt D, Rumsey N. Adjustment to appearance changes resulting from meningococcal septicaemia during adolescence: a qualitative study. Dev Neurorehabil 2007; 10:125-32. [PMID: 17687985 DOI: 10.1080/13638490701217313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Meningococcal Septicaemia (ms) is an acute, life-threatening illness characterized by rapid progression and if not treated swiftly can result in death within hours. Those who survive may require skin grafting or amputation of digits and limbs, and be left with severe scarring. Despite the trauma associated with ms, surprisingly little research has been conducted to determine its psychosocial impact. This study therefore explored the impact of ms during adolescence, with an emphasis on adjustment to a permanently altered appearance following a life-threatening illness. METHODS USED Eleven in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with adolescents (7 female) and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). RESULTS Interviews highlighted the life-altering nature of the experience and the impact this had on finding meaning, life evaluation and adjustment to an altered appearance. Participants spoke at length about differences in themselves, 'pre and post ms', how they assimilated their altered self into life after ms, and the symbolisation attributed to their scars. Issues relating to healthcare provision also arose as a significant theme. DISCUSSION Participants demonstrated a high degree of resilience in response to their experiences. The means by which this has been achieved, including social comparison are examined in detail and offer a fertile area for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Wallace
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness, University College, London, UK.
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Abstract
Since the first outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis were first described in Geneva in 1804 and in New England in 1806, and since the discovery of the causative agent by Weichselbaum in 1887 and the beginning of epidemics of meningococcal meningitis in the sub-Saharan Africa approximately 100 years ago, Neisseria meningitidis has been recognized as the cause worldwide of epidemic meningitis and meningococcemia. The massive epidemic outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa in the 1990's, the emergence since 1995 of serogroups Y, W-135 and X and the prolonged outbreak of serogroup B meningococcal disease in New Zealand over the last decade serve to remind us of the continued potential of the meningococcus to cause global morbidity and mortality. This report reviews new discoveries impacting prevention and future prospects for conquering the meningococcus as a human pathogen.
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Nørgård B, Sørensen H, Jensen E, Faber T, Schønheyder H, Nielsen G. Pre-hospital Parenteral Antibiotic Treatment of Meningococcal Disease and Case Fatality: A Danish Population-based Cohort Study. J Infect 2002. [DOI: 10.1053/jinf.2002.1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Abstract
Meningococcal disease is a significant problem in the paediatric population. The diagnosis of meningococcal disease can be problematic and progression of the disease can rapidly lead to a life-threatening illness. Despite the success of antibiotic treatment, mortality rates remain high. The development of protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccines has significantly improved the success of vaccination in reducing the incidence of meningococcal disease. However, a comprehensive vaccine conferring protection against disease-associated serogroups remains elusive. The aim of this review is to highlight recent significant improvements in the prevention and management of meningococcal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Balmer
- Vaccine Evaluation Department, Manchester Public Health Laboratory Service, Withington Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Abstract
Many countries have been experiencing a significant increase in meningococcal disease. With the strains currently circulating, septicaemia is now a more frequent manifestation than meningitis and early recognition of disease manifestations by patient, parent or physician as well as early recognition of disease severity are the most important factors in attempting to reduce mortality and morbidity. Ceftriaxone is the treatment of choice but must be accompanied by aggressive supportive therapy in those with severe disease. The role of steroids is unknown. The evidence to support their use in both meningitis and severe systemic sepsis is discussed. The purified polysaccharide vaccines that have been available for some years may play a limited role in disease prevention. The recently introduced conjugate vaccine for preventing serogroup C disease represents a major advance but no vaccine is currently available to prevent serogroup B disease, cases of which will continue to challenge clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Wall
- Department of Microbiology, Northwick Park Hospital, North West London Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex, England HA1 3UJ.
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Steigbigel NH. Recombinant bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein reduced morbidity in children with severe meningococcal sepsis. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2001. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03160474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Finlay F, Jones R. Diagnosis of meningococcal septicaemia. Lancet 2001; 357:145. [PMID: 11197426 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(05)71183-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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