Neisseria Meningitidis

Question 1

What is Neisseria Meningitidis septicaemia also known as?

Answer 1

Meningococcal septicaemia

Question 2

Which age groups usually acquire neisseria meningitidis?

Answer 2

Young children, young adults

Question 3

What does neisseria meningitides cause?

Answer 3

Meningitis

Septicaemia

Question 4

What is meningitis?

Answer 4

Bacteria in cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds brain and spine- causes intense inflammation

Question 5

What are the symptoms of meningitis

Answer 5

• Headache
• Photophobia
• Vomiting
• Rash

Question 6

How is Neisseria Meningitidis managed?

Answer 6

1. Early recognition+response
   
   1. Test: nasopharyngeal swab
2. IV antibitic: Ceftriaxone
3. Supportive care- manage organ dysfunction and DIC

Question 7

What does this gram stain show?

Answer 7

Neisseria Meningitidis:

Gram negative diplococci

(can see phagocytes in gram stain)

Question 8

What % of patients who have a neiserria meningitidis infection present with a rash?

Answer 8

30-75%

Question 9

What form might the rash with a neisseria meningitidis infection?

Answer 9

Petechiae: Discrete lesions- 1-2mm thick

=low platelet count, tiny bleed into skin

=rash does not blanch when pressure applied (TUMBLER TEST)

Question 10

What are Ecchymoses?

Answer 10

Petechial lesions that have coalesced=secondary to subcutaneous haemorrhage. Patient likely to have severe DIC

Question 11

Why might necrosis occur in the digits of the limbs with meningococcal sepsis?

Answer 11

Combination: Vascular damage, lack of blood and oxygen to skin, clots in small vessels, haemorrhage

(May require amputation)