Interaction of Neisseria meningitidis with human nasopharyngeal mucosa: attachment and entry into columnar epithelial cells.

The mechanisms by which Neisseria meningitidis establishes a carrier state or invades mucosal surfaces of the host to cause septicemia and meningitis are unknown. An experimental model of human columnar nasopharyngeal tissue in organ culture was developed, and the interaction of encapsulated, piliated N meningitidis with this mucosal surface was studied. Electron microscopic studies showed that meningococci attached selectively to nonciliated columnar cells of the nasopharynx. After attachment, the microvilli of these nonciliated cells elongated and surrounded the organisms. Six to twelve hours after infection, endocytic vacuoles containing meningococci were seen in the apical portion of some nonciliated columnar cells. Later, diplococci were seen in the subepithelial tissues adjacent to lymphoid tissue; this observation suggested that meningococci had penetrated the epithelial layer. The interaction of meningococci with the nasopharyngeal epithelium may be an important means whereby these bacteria establish a carrier state or invade the host.