Resp - Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)

Question 1

Morphology

Answer 1

Gram negative diplocci
bean-shaped
encapsulated

Question 2

Classification/Diagnosis

Answer 2

12 serogroups
grows on chocolate agar
turns purple with oxidase reagent
test by culture

Question 3

Pathology

Answer 3

Sialic acid capsule (inhibits alternative complement pathway)

Question 4

Epidemiology

Answer 4

5-20 % are nosocomial carriers, higher risk in infants, people with complement deficiencies, older children and young adults in concentrated living environments, during late winter and early spring

Question 5

Diseases/Symptoms

Answer 5

meningococcemia (sepsis, petechiae, purpurae)

meningitis

Question 6

Treatment/Vaccinations

Answer 6

Penicillin or 3rd generation cephalosporin

4-valent conjugate vaccine for adolescents

antibiotic prophylaxis for close contacts with infected