White Blood Cells (IMAGE) Lund University Caption Seen here are the white blood cells (neutrophils) in the spinal fluid during bacterial meningitis. The nuclear material DNA is stained blue and proteins in neutrophils are stained red. The large aggregates as represented by overlapping areas of blue (DNA) and red (protein) portrays the extracellular DNA-protein networks called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs are released as a defence response against invading bacteria in bacterial meningitis. Credit Tirthankar Mohanty Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.