Why Is the Immune Response to Pneumococcal Meningitis the Most

Multiple Choice

Why is the immune response to pneumococcal meningitis the most damaging aspect of the disease?

A) Released antibodies bind to the basal membrane of tissues which results in the damage of these tissues and the neighboring cells.
B) An exotoxin stimulates severe inflammation and provokes host tissue damage as immune cells release oxygen radicals and enzyme- destroying proteins in response to the toxin.
C) A particularly potent endotoxin stimulates a rapid fever that typically holds at 104°C for 3- 4 days unless other actions are taken.
D) Neurons infected with the bacteria are identified and destroyed by the immune system resulting in paralysis or in some cases death.
E) Blood clots are formed in the circulatory system in an effort to isolate the bacteria; however, these clots are often the cause of heart attack or stroke in patients that don't seek medical treatment.