How can Neisseria meningitidis make us sick?
The white blood cells engulf the bacteria in an effort to destroy them and trigger other cells to do the same. However, killing the bacteria creates a problem for our bodies. When the white blood cells (WBCs) engulf the bacteria, they contact the bacteria’s endotoxin. The toxin causes problems: The endotoxin causes the WBCs to release chemicals that make the walls of the blood vessels sticky. The WBCs become trapped on these sticky walls. The lining of blood vessels is stripped away. This causes the blood vessels to break. Platelets rush to the area to control the dangerous internal bleeding. Harmful clots begin to form. The proteins that prevent clotting have been destroyed. Small vessels become completely blocked. The damaged blood vessels disintegrate and blood and other fluids hemorrhage into the surrounding tissue. This is what causes the rash-like appearance on the skin.
