Dysfunctional Glymphatic System with Disrupted Aquaporin 4 Expression Pattern on Astrocytes Causes Bacterial Product Accumulation in the CSF during Pneumococcal Meningitis

Abstract

The lack of solute drainage due to a dysfunctional glymphatic system leads to an increase of the neurotoxic bacterial material in the CSF compartments of the brain, ultimately leading to brain-wide neuroinflammation and neuronal damage with consequent impairment of neurological functions. The loss of function of the glymphatic system can therefore be a leading cause of the neurological sequelae developing post-bacterial meningitis.