Meningococcal Meningitis

Question 1

Characteristics of Meningitis

Answer 1

• Inflammation of the meninges

- More serious- bacterial causes

Question 2

Causative agent for Meningitis

Answer 2

• Neisseria meningitides
• Gram-negative
• encapsulated diplococcus
• Normal microbiota
• Serotypes A, B, and C

Question 3

Signs and Symptoms for Meningitis

Answer 3

• Sudden onset disease
• Fever 40 C or 104 F
• Chills
• Delirium
• Purple spots on skin (Petechiae)
• Endotoxic shot then death

Question 4

Most common transmission for Meningococcal Meningitis

Answer 4

• Droplet contact

- Nasopharynx

Question 5

Virulence factors for Meningococcal Meningitis

Answer 5

• Capsule
• Endotoxin
• IgA protease

Question 6

Culture/Diagnosis for Meningococcal Meningitis

Answer 6

• Gram stain/culture of CFS
• Blood
• Rapid antigenic tests
• Oxidase test
• Bacterial=emergency

Question 7

Prevention for Meningococcal Meningitis

Answer 7

• Conjugated vaccine
• Ciprofloxacin
• Friends and family in close contact with infected should receive preventive therapy with:
• Rifampin or Tetracycline

Question 8

Treatment for Meningococcal Meningitis

Answer 8

• Ceftriaxone
• Aztreonam
• Chloramphenicol

Question 9

Epidemiology for Meningococcal Meningitis

Answer 9

• U.S. 0.9-1.5 case per 100,000 annually

- Incidence rate in winter/early spring

Question 10

Pathogenesis for Meningococcal Meningitis

Answer 10

1. Inhalier Airport droplets
2. Attach by pili to mucous membrane/ multiply
3. Release outer membrane
4. Causes endotoxin;
   - vasodilation
   - capillary leakage
   - lowered blood pressure