Meningococcemia overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Overview
Meningococcemia is the presence of Neisseria meningitidis (also known as meningococcus), a severe bacterical infection, in the blood stream. It is demonstrated by blood culture. The disease is hard to identify as it can appear in several different forms, depending on which part of the body the bacteria invade. Neisseria meningitides is a gram-negative diplococcus. The bacteria is known to cause meningitis, septicaemia, pneumonia, and even rarely urethritis. Early recognition and treatment of anyone exposed to meningococcus is extremely important to prevent serious illness or death.
Historical Perspective
The historical reports indicate that meningococci was first reported in 1805. SInce then for more than 2 hundred years, meningococcus have been causing a high degree of morbidity and mortality. It usually appear as sporadic but reports of outbreak have been reported from different parts of the world especially Sub Saharan African belt. Outbreak usually happens in close communities like schools, colleges and prisons.
Causes
Meningococcemia is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. The bacteria frequently lives in a person'supper respiratory tract without causing visible signs of illness. The bacteria can be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets -- for example, you may become infected if you are around someone with the condition when they sneeze or cough. Family members and those closely exposed to someone with the condition are at increased risk. The infection occurs more frequently in winter and early spring.