Cytokine activation in purulent pericarditis caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C.
Herein, we report a case of purulent pericarditis caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C in a previously healthy 5-year-old boy, which was detected in pericardial fluid by polymerase chain reaction. The concentrations of interleukin-6, interferon-gamma and interleukin-10 in pericardial fluid were notably increased compared with serum. The role of polymerase chain reaction, counterimmunoelectrophoresis and latex agglutination test in the diagnosis, as well as the participation of cytokines in the pathogenesis of meningococcal pericarditis, are discussed.
de Souza
Alexandre Leite
AL
Marques Salgado
Maristela
M
Romano
Carla C
CC
Alkmin
Maria das Graças Adelino
Md
Sztajnbok
Jaques
J
Vidal
José E
JE
Duarte
Alberto J S
AJ
Seguro
Antonio Carlos
AC
D002675:Child, Preschool; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D038542:Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup C; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D013492:Suppuration
D016207:Cytokines