Bacterial meningitis is a very serious infection of the brain with limited treatment options. Despite the widespread introduction of vaccines, this disease is still associated with a high mortality rate andneurological consequences such as hearing loss, focal neurological deficits and cognitive impairments. Now, in a new study, scientists have been able to present an alternative therapy based on immune cells as effective. This is intended to help eliminate toxins that accumulate in the brain tissue during bacterial infections.
Effective immunotherapy with potential against bacterial meningitis
This infectious disease usually requires antibiotic treatment. However, as the threat of antibiotic resistance increases, there is a growing need for new treatment strategies. Using mouse models, the study authors were now able to use the body's own immune cells to kill the bacteria. Accordingly, the neutrophils used were able to eliminate the brain swelling caused by the infection. The researchers showed that immune cells that penetrate the brain membrane form a network that traps bacteria. However, this also blocked the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid. Brain swelling, also called edema, is a life-threatening condition because the brain is trapped in the skull. The swelling compresses blood vessels, causing loss of brain tissue and can be fatal.
The main finding of the study is that bacterial meningitis can be treated by administering an enzyme that breaks down neutrophil networks. This therapeutic approach can also be combined with antibiotics, according to the study authors. The treatment reduced brain swelling and helped remove waste from the infected brain. Based on the results, the research team now hopes to conduct an international clinical trial to study the so-called DNase in the treatment of patients with bacterial meningitis. Furthermore, that would be inthis studyThe drug used is a promising alternative to antibiotics in the face of increasingly common antibiotic resistance. The therapy is also already approved for use in people with other neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
