Hemolysin III drives neuroinvasion and meningitis while impacting desiccation resilience in .

Unlabelled: is an emerging pathogen associated with severe neonatal diseases, including meningitis. Its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is critical for meningitis development, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the role of Hemolysin III (Hly III), encoded by the , in neuroinvasion and environmental resilience.