Iron-controlled infection with Neisseria meningitidis in mice

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Abstract
An Fe-controlled infection was obtained after the i.p. injection of N. meningitidis strain M1011 into normal mice. The infection progressed rapidly, but then disappeared in concert with the disappearance of plasma transferrin Fe. Parenteral iron dextran enhanced and prolonged the infection in mice at dosages above 15 mg/kg Fe. Studies on the distribution of iron dextran within the physiological Fe pools and the importance of timing with the iron dextran addition indicated that high serum Fe, available early during infection, was necessary to promote infection. High levels of Fe in the RES did not stimulate infection. N. meningitidis obtains Fe for growth from the transferrin pool, and iron dextran maintains transferrin Fe levels during infection.