Neisseria Meningitidis Flashcards
Both strains of Neisseria ferment glucose, but only ___________ ferments maltose.
meningitidis
(Think of Mac, the detective, swabbing the bottle of MALT liquor in the college dorm room –college, because meningitis is easily spread in dorms.)
How does N. meningitidis spread?
Via respiratory droplets that first colonize the nasopharynx (like how Mac is swabbing the malt liquor with a q-tip that looks like the kind used to swab the pharynx)
What is symbolized by the syringes?
That (1) N. meningitidis is surrounded by a polysaccharide capsule that inhibits phagocytosis and (2) that the vaccine contains this polysaccharide capsule
Most infections in the U.S. are with the B strain of N. meningitidis. Why?
Because the vaccine does not cover the B strain (think of the empty case labeled B)
Patients who have had ____________ are more susceptible to Neisseria meningitidis infection.
their spleens removed
Think of the hammer and SICKLE above the college student.
What causes inflammation in an N. meningitidis infection?
The lipooligosaccharide (LOS) envelope, which is Neisseria’s version of LPS
(Think of the envelopes on fire next to the student –the ENVELOPE is IN FLAMes.)
Inflammation from N. meningitidis infection leads to _______________.
leaky capillaries (just like the leaky sprinkler heads), which can lead to shock (like the sparking socket)
What physical exam finding should raise your suspicion for N. meningitidis infection?
A spotty, petechial rash
Think of the spots on the carpet.
Which antibiotic is best at treating Neisseria meningitidis?
Ceftriaxone (like the fireman’s three axes)
Those who’ve had contact with a person who developed meningitis infection in the seven days prior to the onset of symptoms should be given ______________.
rifampin (like the rifampin rifle on the policeman’s back)
Systemic infection with N. meningitidis can lead to what endocrine syndrome?
Waterhouse-Friederichsen syndrome, in which the adrenal gland is destroyed and adrenal insufficiency develops
