TNFa and Bacterial Meningitis

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 13(2); 1995 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 1995;13(2): 291-297.

뇌척수액 종양괴사인자 (Tumor necrosis factor a) 와 세균성 수막염

최영빈, 박지현, 나정호, 김영인, 이광수, 김범생

가톨릭대학교 신경과

TNFa and Bacterial Meningitis

YB Choi, M.D., JH Park, M.D., JH Rha, M.D., YI Kim, M.D., Ks Lee, M.D., BS Kim, M.D.

Department of Neurology, Catholic University Medical College

Abstract

Objective/Background : We evaluate the role of TNFa in the generation of inflammation and the blood-brain barrier damage in the patients with bacterial and aseptic meningitis. Methods : We recruited three groups for analysis - (1) bacterial meningitis (6pati ents) (2) aseptic meningitis (7patients) (3) non-infectious neurologic disease (7patients). CSF and serum were studied for WBC, albumin concentration and TNFa assay by cytolytic method. Results : TNFa of CSF, and albumin quotient (Qalb: degree of blood-brain barrier damage) in bacterial meningitis groups were significantly higher than those in control groups(TNFa : 163.23+58.17units/ml, p<0.05 & Qalb : 13.75+5.16, p<0.05). TNF ratio(CSF TNF/SerumTNF) was well correlated with albumin quotient(p<0.05, r=O. 96).
Conclusions: We conclude that TNFa level is higher in bacterial meningitis group than in other groups. TNFa may play a important role in the pathogenetic process of bacterial meningitis, especially in the destruction of blood-brain barrier.