Meningococcal Meningitis

Introduction. 

Although many viruses and bacteria can cause meningitis, Neisseria meningitidis is among the more serious forms. In untreated patients, mortality is close to 100%. Symptoms included headache and fever. N. meningitidis is engulfed by phagocytic cells but its capsule enables it to survive inside the phagocyte and multiply. Release of lipooligosaccharide (LOS = endotoxin) causes inflammation and vascular damage.

Summary

Cause: Neisseria meningitidis

• Microscopy: Gram-negative diplococcus; capsule
• Transmission: Airborne
• Symptoms: Headache, fever, meningeal signs
• Complications: 100% mortality if untreated
• Pathogenesis: Intracellular replication in macrophages; Inflammation due to endotoxin; diffuse vascular damage
• Treatment: Penicillin
• Vaccine available

Cause: Streptococcus pneumoniae

• Microscopy: Gram-positive diplococci or short chains
• Transmission: Airborne
• Symptoms:
• Complications:
• Pathogenesis:
• Treatment: