Common Bacterial

Meningococcal Meningitis

Meningococcal meningitis is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus, which causes an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Click here to download the meningococcal vaccine sheet.

Neonates

General:
Neonates and infants are at a greater risk of meningococcal meningitis than any other age group due to deficiencies in their hummoral and cellular immunity and phagomatic function. Their inefficient complement pathway compromises their immune system. Secondarily, there is no preventative vaccine available for neonates and infants.

Roughly 5%-10% of the population carries the meningococcal bacteria in the back of their nose and throat. The bacteria can be dormant in the carrier, but they can pass it to someone else. Bacterial meningitis is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (kissing, coughing, sneezing, and sharing a cup, utensil, lip gloss, or cigarette). The transfer of saliva must be direct because the bacteria can't live outside of the mouth. People with weaker immune systems are at a greater risk of contracting bacterial meningitis.

Septicemia or sepsis, which begins as the patikia rash, is a systemic response to an infection which causes limb loss, organ failure, and death in severe cases. Sepsis is a common side effect of bacterial meningitis that increases the fatality rate to 15%.

Prevention:
There is no current vaccine available to prevent neonates from meningococcal meningitis.

Symptoms:

• Irritability
• Nausea/vomiting
• Feeding poorly

Common symptoms such as fevers, headaches, and stiff necks can be tough to detect or might not even occur in neonates and infants. MFA urges anyone with these symptoms to seek medical attention immediately!

Diagnosis:
All types of meningitis are diagnosed by growing bacteria from a sample of the infected person's spinal fluid, which is collected by performing a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Results show whether or not the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) has increased white blood cells, lowered glucose or increased protein and is often stained if positive. The proper bacterial identification is important for selection of the correct antibodies.

Treatment:
Meningococcal meningitis is treated with intravenous antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or penicillin and oral antibiotics such as ciproflaxin or rifampin, until the infection's resistance to the drugs contradicts treatment. Steroid medications are used to prevent hearing loss.

Source(s):
www.cdc.gov
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus

Infants/children

General:
Neonates and infants are at a higher risk of meningococcal meningitis than any other age group due to deficiencies in their hummoral and cellular immunity and phagomatic function. Their inefficient complement pathway compromises their immune system. Secondarily, there is no preventative vaccine available for neonates and infants.

Roughly 5%-10% of the population carries the meningococcal bacteria in the back of their nose and throat. The bacteria can be dormant in the carrier, but they can pass it to someone else. Bacterial meningitis is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (kissing, coughing, sneezing, and sharing a cup, utensil, lip gloss, or cigarette). The transfer of saliva must be direct because the bacteria can't live outside of the mouth. People with weaker immune systems are at a greater risk of contracting bacterial meningitis.

Infants in daycare facilities are often at risk of contracting meningococcal meningitis. Septicemia or sepsis, which begins as the patikia rash, is a systemic response to an infection which causes limb loss, organ failure, and death in severe cases. Sepsis is a common side effect of bacterial meningitis that increases the fatality rate to 15%.

Prevention:
There are no current recommendations to prevent meningococcal meningitis in infants or children.

Symptoms:

• Irritability
• Nausea/vomiting
• Feeding poorly

Common symptoms such as fevers, headaches, and stiff necks can be tough to detect or might not even occur in neonates and infants. MFA urges anyone with these symptoms to seek medical attention immediately!

Diagnosis:
All types of meningitis are diagnosed by growing bacteria from a sample of the infected person's spinal fluid, which is collected by performing a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Results show whether or not the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) has increased white blood cells, lowered glucose or increased protein and is often stained if positive. The proper bacterial identification is important for selection of the correct antibodies.

Treatment:
Meningococcal meningitis is treated with intravenous antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or penicillin and oral antibiotics such as ciproflaxin or rifampin, until the infection's resistance to the drugs contradicts treatment. Steroid medications are used to prevent hearing loss.

Source(s):
www.cdc.gov
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus

Adolescents/adults

General:
The number of meningitis cases has seen the largest increase in adolescents over the past decade. College freshman who live in closed quarters such as residence halls, fraternities, and sororities are at an increased risk due to the temptation to share. The college lifestyle often involves late nights, partying, or social and educational stress, thus weakening the immune system.

Roughly 5%-10% of the population carries the meningococcal bacteria in the back of their nose and throat. The bacteria can be dormant in the carrier, but they can pass it to someone else. Bacterial meningitis is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (kissing, coughing, sneezing, and sharing a cup, utensil, lip gloss, or cigarette). The transfer of saliva must be direct because the bacteria can't live outside of the mouth. People with weaker immune systems are at a greater risk of contracting bacterial meningitis.

Adolescents often avoid seeking treatment when they are sick and decide that sleep will cure their problem. Meningitis begins with flu-like symptoms, then progresses while the victim sleeps. Septicemia or sepsis, which begins as the patikia rash, is a systemic response to an infection which causes limb loss, organ failure, and death in severe cases. Sepsis is a common side effect of bacterial meningitis that increases the fatality rate to 15%.

Prevention:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the polysaccharide vaccine, menomune, for college freshman living in residence halls. Menomune is effective in serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135, but does protect against serogroup B.

Symptoms:

• Irritability
• Fever (below normal)
• Headache
• Nausea/vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Sensitive to light

MFA urges anyone with these symptoms to seek medical attention immediately!
Diagnosis:
All types of meningitis are diagnosed by growing bacteria from a sample of the infected person's spinal fluid, which is collected by performing a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Results show whether or not the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) has increased white blood cells, lowered glucose or increased protein and is often stained if positive. The proper bacterial identification is important for selection of the correct antibodies.

Treatment:
Meningococcal meningitis is treated with intravenous antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or penicillin and oral antibiotics such as ciproflaxin or rifampin, until the infection's resistance to the drugs contradicts treatment. Steroid medications are used to prevent hearing loss.

Source(s):
www.cdc.gov
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus