Protocol for pneumococcal meningitis induction in mice via non-surgical intracisternal injection

Animal models are crucial for investigating infection dynamics and developing approaches for early disease identification and monitoring. Here, we present a specialized murine model for bacterial meningitis that we designed to directly deliver Streptococcus pneumoniae into the central nervous system through non-surgical intracisternal injection. We outline the steps for precisely collecting biological samples, including brain tissue, to evaluate bacterial burden and immune responses. This protocol provides a controlled platform for studying the pathogenesis of meningitis and assessing potential therapeutic interventions.