Meningococcal Disease - FM Flashcards
What is meningococcal disease?
A life-threatening infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, presenting as meningitis or meningococcemia.
Which organism causes meningococcal disease?
Neisseria meningitidis, a Gram-negative diplococcus.
What are the most common serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis?
A, B, C, W, X, and Y.
How is meningococcal disease transmitted?
Through respiratory droplets and close personal contact.
What is the incubation period for Neisseria meningitidis?
2–10 days, typically 3–4 days.
Which region is most affected by meningococcal disease?
Sub-Saharan Africa’s “meningitis belt.”
What age groups have the highest incidence of meningococcal disease?
Infants, adolescents, and young adults.
Describe the pathophysiology of meningococcal infection.
Nasopharyngeal colonisation → bloodstream invasion → blood-brain barrier crossing → endotoxin release → inflammation, septic shock, DIC.
What are the typical symptoms of meningococcal meningitis?
Fever, headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, altered mental status, vomiting, and seizures.
What are the clinical features of meningococcemia?
Fever, petechial or purpuric rash, hypotension, cold extremities, multi-organ failure.
What is Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome?
Fulminant meningococcemia causing DIC and bilateral adrenal haemorrhage.
What are the CSF findings in meningococcal meningitis?
Turbid CSF, neutrophilic pleocytosis, high protein, low glucose, Gram-negative diplococci on Gram stain.
Which lab tests are used to confirm meningococcal disease?
Blood cultures, lumbar puncture, PCR for meningococcal DNA, rapid antigen tests.
What is the initial management for suspected meningococcal disease?
Immediate empiric antibiotics and supportive care (do not delay for investigations).
What are the empiric antibiotics used in meningococcal disease?
Ceftriaxone or cefotaxime ± vancomycin; targeted therapy may use penicillin G.
What is the duration of antibiotic therapy for uncomplicated cases?
7 days for uncomplicated cases.
What is used for post-exposure prophylaxis in close contacts?
Rifampin, ciprofloxacin, or ceftriaxone — ideally within 24 hours.
Which vaccines are used for meningococcal disease prevention?
Conjugate MenACWY vaccines and recombinant MenB vaccines.
What additional preventive measures are recommended besides vaccination?
Chemoprophylaxis for contacts, droplet precautions, and mandatory case reporting.
Name three complications of meningococcal disease.
Hearing loss, limb amputation, neurologic deficits, cognitive impairment, death.
What is the importance of early recognition in meningococcal disease?
It reduces mortality and morbidity by enabling timely treatment and containment.
