What cell does bacterial meningitis affect?

Answer 1

This is a tough one because I think the question may be posed incorrectly since bacterial meningitis doesn't really "effect" a cell in particular. Because of that, I will outline what I know and the cells/body tissues involved. Bacterial meningitis is caused by a bacterial invasion of the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid. There are three types of B. meningitis: Streptoccus pnemoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis. All three have a protective capsule that protects them from phagocytosis by our immune systems. In addition, the bacteria multiply within the bloodstream. The bacteria release either endotoxins or cell wall fragments (depending on whether they are gm+ or gm-) which result in shock and inflammation of the meninges, which can quickly result in death. So to answer your question, the bacteria itself travel and reproduce in the blood, and because the bacteria is capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier at the walls of the blood vessels, it is able to reach the CSF (cerebrosprinal fluid), which includes the brain and spinal cord (which are what become inflammed). So even though the bacterial doesn't really "effect" the cell, it uses the blood cells to get into the CSF and cause the infection, as well as using it as a breeding ground, if you will.