Meningococcal meningitis

Alternative names

Meningitis - meningococcal

Definition

Meningococcal meningitis is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (also known as meningococcus) that causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Most cases of meningococcal meningitis occur in children, from infancy to adolescence. Meningococcus is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children and the second most common cause of bacterial meningitis in adults.

The onset of the disease may be rapid and may start with an upper respiratory infection or sore throat. The infection occurs more often in winter or spring and may cause local epidemics at boarding schools, college dormitories, or military bases.

Risk factors include recent exposure to meningococcal meningitis and recent upper respiratory infection.

Symptoms

• Rash, pinpoint red spots (petechiae)
  
• High fever
  
• Severe headache
  
• Severe malaise (feeling very unwell)
  
• nausea and Vomiting
  
• Stiff neck
  
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  
• Mental status changes
  

Signs and tests

Physical examination will reveal Low Blood pressure, fast heart rate, stiff neck, and a possible rash.

Other tests include the following:

• Elevated white blood cell (WBC) count
  
• Spinal tap for spinal fluid (CSF) showing increased white blood cells, low glucose, high protein
  
• Special stains of spinal fluid sometimes showing meningococcus
  
• CSF culture growing meningococci
  
• Blood culture growing meningococci
  
• CT scan of the brain is usually normal
  

Treatment

Early recognition and treatment of anyone exposed to meningococcus is extremely important to prevent serious illness or death.

Antibiotics such as ceftriaxone are prescribed and given intravenously for this disease. Other medicines may be used to treat the complications arising from the increased spinal fluid pressure.