Neisseria meningitidis
From IDWiki
Background
Microbiology
- Gram-negative diplococcus
- Traditionally organized by serogroups of capsular polysaccharide
- A, B, C, E, H, I/K, L/ W, X, Y, and Z are confirmed genetically
Epidemiology
- Six serogroups cause essentially all disease: A, B, C, W, X, and Y
- In Canada, serogroups B, C, W-135 and Y are the most common causes, with B being the most commonly reported
- Historically, B caused the majority of sporadic cases, and virulent serogroup C caused the majority of outbreaks
- In African meningitis belt, serogroups A, C, W-135, and X are most common
Risk Factors
- Living in African meningitis belt during an epidemic
- Participating in Hajj pilgrimage
- Living in student dormitories
- Living in military barracks
Clinical Manifestations
- Causes bacterial meningitis
- May have petechial or purpuric rash
Management
- For meningitis: ceftriaxone 2 g IV q12h or penicillin G for 7 days (5 days in UK)
- Alternatives include chloramphenicol, aztreonam, and meropenem
Prevention
- Chemoprophylaxis of high-risk contacts is indicated to prevent disease
- Close contacts include living in same household, kissing, or being exposed during resuscitation within 7 days
- Treat with ciprofloxacin one dose, within 24 hours of exposure
