Invasive Meningococcal Disease 24.11.23

Question 1

What are the 6 causes of meningitis

Answer 1

Bacteria
Viruses
Less common infective causes, e.g. fungi, protozoa
Medications e.g. antibiotics
Cancers
Autoimmune disease

Question 2

What is invasive meningococcal disease?

Answer 2

Infection with Neisseria meningitidis (gram negative diplococci)

Question 3

What are the 2 main manifestations of infection with neisseria meningitidis?

Answer 3

Meningitis (infection of meninges, local symptoms)

Septicaemia (a systemic infection with widespread signs and generalised organ damage)

Question 4

What is disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

Answer 4

The activation of coagulation pathways that results in formation of intravascular thrombi (clots) and depletion of platelets and coagulation factors. These clots can cause arterial occlusions leading to gangrene of extremities & auto-amputations (spontaneous detachment of an appendage from the body)