The research, published in the journal Nature Microbiology, could help explain why bacterial meningitis is more common in the winter months, when people are more likely to have underlying viral infections that cause a fever.
Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes that line the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and then cross into the brain. The infection can cause inflammation and swelling of the brain, leading to a range of symptoms including fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and seizures.
In the new study, the researchers used a combination of experiments and computational modeling to show how bacteria that cause meningitis (Streptococcus pneumoniae) can sense fever and respond by changing their gene expression.
The researchers found that the bacteria produce a protein called CiaH that is activated by heat. When CiaH is activated, it binds to DNA and turns on the expression of a number of genes, including genes that are involved in the production of virulence factors. These virulence factors help the bacteria to invade brain tissue and resist immune attack.
The researchers also found that CiaH is required for the bacteria to cause meningitis in mice. When the researchers deleted the ciaH gene from the bacteria, they found that the bacteria were no longer able to cause meningitis, even when the mice were infected with a high dose of bacteria.
The researchers believe that CiaH may provide a way for the bacteria to sense the host's immune response and adapt their behavior accordingly. By sensing fever, the bacteria may be able to protect themselves from immune attack and increase their chances of causing disease.
The research provides new insights into the mechanisms by which bacteria that cause meningitis sense and respond to their host environment. This information could lead to the development of new treatments for bacterial meningitis.
