Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease
Charlotte Cleverley-Bisman, one of the youngest survivors of the disease. The infected arms and legs had to be amputated later.
SpecialtyInfectious disease, critical care medicine
SymptomsFlu-like symptoms, stiff neck, altered mental status, seizures, purpura
ComplicationsGangrene leading to amputation, sepsis, brain damage, blindness, deafness
PreventionMeningococcal vaccine
TreatmentAntibiotics such as Chemoprophylaxis
Prognosis10–20% mortality generally. 10% mortality with treatment.

Meningococcal disease is a serious infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus, a gram negative diplococcus.[1] Meningococcal disease includes meningitis, meningococcal septicemia, or a combination of both, which can be life-threatening and rapidly progressive.[2] If left untreated, the disease has a high mortality rate; however, it is preventable through vaccination.[3] Meningitis and meningococcal sepsis are major causes of illness, death, and disability in both developed and under-developed countries.

Meningococcal disease can be transmitted to others through saliva, close contact with an infected individual by inhaling respiratory air droplets.[4] Initial symptoms may be subtle and similar to other bacterial infection, but can quickly progress to include fever, rash, body aches, photophobia and other complications.[2][5] Neisseria meningitidis colonizes a substantial proportion of the general population without issues, but it can invade the bloodstream, affecting the entire body, most notably limbs and brain, causing serious illness in a small percentage of individuals.[6]

The global incidence of meningococcal disease is relatively low, ranging from 0.0 to 10.2 per 100,000 however cases in the United States are rising.[2][7] Serotypes of the bacteria range from various countries, with serotype B accounting for most new cases worldwide.[2] Meningococcal vaccines have sharply reduced the incidence of the disease in developed countries.[8]

Vaccine has also shown to lessen cases of illness and their associated complications as well as death.[9] Current vaccinations cover most of the bacterial strains that causes meningococcal disease. This has led to a decrease of incidence and burden from the disease. Treatment include supportive care, early administration of antibiotics and management of complications associated with infection.[10] Ongoing research continues in an effort to understand specific aspects of meningococcal biology and host interactions; however, the development of improved treatments and effective vaccines is expected to depend on novel efforts by workers in many different fields.[6]

  1. ^ Suryadevara M (2021). "19. Meningococcus". In Domachowske J, Suryadevara M (eds.). Vaccines: A Clinical Overview and Practical Guide. Switzerland: Springer. pp. 235–246. ISBN 978-3-030-58416-0. Archived from the original on 2 July 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d Evidence review for symptoms and signs associated with meningococcal disease: Meningitis (bacterial) and meningococcal disease: recognition, diagnosis and management: Evidence review A3. NICE Evidence Reviews Collection. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). 2024. ISBN 978-1-4731-5753-8. PMID 38843368.
  3. ^ Bash MC (2022). "6. Infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis". In Jong EC, Stevens DL (eds.). Netter's Infectious Diseases (2nd ed.). Philadelphia: Elsevier. pp. 24–28. ISBN 978-0-323-71159-3. Archived from the original on 20 October 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
  4. ^ Tzeng YL, Martin LE, Stephens DS (January 2014). "Environmental survival of Neisseria meningitidis". Epidemiology & Infection. 142 (1): 187–190. doi:10.1017/S095026881300085X. ISSN 0950-2688. PMC 5340262. PMID 23574798.
  5. ^ "Meningococcal septicaemia in college students". Essortment. 2002. Archived from the original on 28 July 2007. Retrieved 29 January 2008.
  6. ^ a b Pollard AJ, Maiden MC (2001). Meningococcal Disease: Methods and Protocols. Humana Press. ISBN 978-0-89603-849-3.
  7. ^ Sanford Guide to antimicrobial therapy 2014 44th edition
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference :3 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference :4 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference :5 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
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