Meningitis - meningococcal Health Article

Definition

Meningococcal meningitis is an infection that causes swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

See also:

• Aseptic meningitis
• Meningitis
• Meningitis - cryptococcal
• Meningitis - gram-negative
• Meningitis -
• Meningitis - pneumococcal
• Meningitis - staphylococcal
• Meningitis - tuberculous

Alternative Names

Meningococcal meningitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis (also known as meningococcus).

Most cases of meningococcal meningitis occur in children. Meningococcus is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children and the second most common cause of bacterial meningitis in adults.

The infection occurs more often in winter or spring. It may cause local epidemics at boarding schools, college dormitories, or military bases.

Risk factors include recent exposure to meningococcal meningitis and a recent upper respiratory infection.

Symptoms

The disease may come on quickly, and may start with an upper respiratory infection or sore throat.

Symptoms include:

• High fever
• Mental status changes
• Nausea
• Purple, bruise-like areas (purpura)
• Rash, pinpoint red spots (petechiae)
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Severe headache
• Severe general ill feeling (malaise)
• Stiff neck
• Vomiting

Signs and tests

Physical examination will show:

• Fast heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Possible rash
• Stiff neck

For any patient with meningitis, it is important to perform a lumbar puncture ("spinal tap"), in which spinal fluid (known as cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF) is collected for testing.

Tests may include:

• Blood culture
• CSF culture
• CT scan of the brain
• Special stains of spinal fluid
• White blood cell (WBC) count

Treatment

Antibiotics such as ceftriaxone are prescribed and given through the arm by IV (intravenous line). Other medicines may be used to treat the complications from increased spinal fluid pressure.

Sometimes steroid medication is used, more often in children than adults.

People in close contact with someone with meningococcal meningitis should be given antibiotics to prevent infection. Such people include:

• Household members
• Roommates in dormitories
• Those who come into close contact with an infected person