HerOnlineNetwork.com is a women's resource for a wide-range of topics including pregnancy, baby care, home and garden, and women's advice. We look forward to helping!

meningococcal infections Alternative Names Neisseria meningitidis infections Definition Meningococcal infections are caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. What is going on in the body? When Neisseria meningitidis bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can cause a number of infections. Some of the time, the infection is brief and mild. Other times, the bacteria may spread to the spinal cord. That causes an infection called meningitis. The bacteria may also cause a severe bodywide infection that causes circulation and bleeding problems. This infection is known as meningococcemia. What are the signs and symptoms of the infection? Symptoms of meningococcal infections often start when the bacteria get into the bloodstream. The symptoms then get worse quickly. Following are some of the signs and symptoms: fever and chills malaise, or a vague feeling of illness nausea and vomiting a skin rash, usually a series of flat or raised red bumps, which may be all over the body When the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria affect the spinal cord, the person will develop symptoms of meningitis. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis in people older than 2 years of age may include the following: confusion drowsiness fever headache light sensitivity seizures stiff neck vomiting An infant with bacterial meningitis may be irritable, unable to feed well, and be slow or inactive. Meningococcemia can cause a variety of symptoms. The person may have symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, such as cough and runny nose, for a few days. Then he or she may develop chills and a high fever. The person will have a skin rash, which can spread over the body. The rash may be tiny areas known as petechiae. The person may develop large purplish areas that look like bruises. Other symptoms of meningococcemia include: headache malaise muscle and joint pain nausea and vomiting weakness As the meningococcemia worsens, the person may become restless and delirious. If the lungs are infected, the individual may have chest pain, cough, and shortness of breath. What are the causes and risks of the infection? Meningococcal infections are caused by contact with people who carry the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria in their throats. Some people carry these bacteria in their throats all the time and don't get sick. Others get a life threatening illness the first time they are exposed to these bacteria. People who have a higher risk of meningococcal infection are the following: children, especially younger children in a day care setting people with weakened immune systems those in crowded settings, such as a school, college dormitory, or military camps those with close contacts who develop this infection, such as friends or family members What can be done to prevent the infection? A person who has had recent close contact with someone diagnosed with a meningococcal infection needs preventive treatment. Close contact includes living in the same house. It also can mean being in the same closed setting, such as a classroom. Treatment involves receiving an antibiotic to prevent catching the infection. Also, people in contact with the sick person should be watched for signs of an infection. If these signs occur, further treatment is needed quickly. An individual can lower the risk of meningococcal infections by avoiding contact with secretions from the mouth or nose of an infected person. The following items should not be shared because they can carry these secretions: drinks facial tissues food lipstick and lip balm There is also a vaccine that is used in certain settings. It only protects against certain types or strains of these bacteria. This vaccine is currently recommended for college students who live in dormitories. It may also be given to other individuals at high risk. How is the infection diagnosed? Diagnosis of meningococcal infection begins with a medical history and physical exam. The Neisseria meningitidis bacteria can be found in the blood and spinal fluid. A sample of spinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, is obtained with a spinal tap. A culture of blood or spinal fluid is often done. To do a culture, a sample of the fluid is put into a special container. Inside the container is something that is known as food to allow the bacteria to grow. If the bacteria grow, they can be identified in the lab. Culture of other infected areas, such as joint fluid or a piece of skin with a rash, can also be done. A newer test called an antigen test can be done on the spinal fluid. This test can sometimes give results in less than an hour. But a culture may take as long as 24 hours to grow bacteria. What are the long-term effects of the infection? Severe involvement of any area from a meningococcal infection may cause permanent effects. For instance, skin may become scarred from a severe rash. Permanent brain damage, most commonly resulting in hearing impairment, can be caused by meningitis. Severe blood infections or meningitis can result in death. What are the risks to others? A meningococcal infection is contagious. It is spread from person to person through droplets from the infected person's nose or mouth. What are the treatments for the infection? Meningococcal infections are treated with antibiotics, including: cefotaxime ceftriaxone chloramphenicol penicillin Other treatments may be used to treat complications, such as low blood pressure or bleeding problems. What are the side effects of the treatments? Antibiotics may cause stomach upset, rash, or allergic reactions. What happens after treatment for the infection? The person's close contacts will need to be alerted and treated with antibiotics. Most people recover completely and need no further treatment or monitoring. Others may have permanent problems, such as hearing impairment, that require further treatment. Death is possible if treatment is delayed or unsuccessful. How is the infection monitored? A person with a meningococcal infection is usually kept in the hospital for a few days. Once a person is better, he or she may be able to finish taking the antibiotics at home. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author: Danielle Zerr, MD Date Written: 11/29/99 Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN Date Reviewed: 06/27/01 Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request