Where does meningococcal originate from?

Bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis cause meningococcal disease. About 1 in 10 people have these bacteria in the back of their nose and throat without being ill. This is called being ‘a carrier’. Sometimes the bacteria invade the body and cause certain illnesses, which are known as meningococcal disease.

Is Neisseria meningitidis living or dead?

Neisseria meningitidis, often referred to as meningococcus, is a Gram-negative bacterium that can cause meningitis and other forms of meningococcal disease such as meningococcemia, a life-threatening sepsis….

What causes Neisseria?

Bacteria and viruses are the two main causes of meningitis. The bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, also called meningococcus, causes meningococcal meningitis. In children and teens, meningococcus is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis. In adults, it is the second most common cause.

How long does meningococcal vaccine last?

For patients who received their most recent dose at age 7 years or older, administer the booster dose 5 years later. Administer boosters every 5 years thereafter throughout life as long as the person remains at increased risk for meningococcal disease.

Can you get meningitis from a dead person?

meningitidis in corpses, even though people who handle cadavers are commonly considered to be at risk of infection (Burton, 2003). During forensic examinations, deaths due to meningitis are often encountered.

Who is most affected by meningitis?

Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but rates of disease are highest in children younger than 1 year old, with a second peak in adolescence. Among teens and young adults, those 16 through 23 years old have the highest rates of meningococcal disease.

Where is Neisseria found in the body?

upper respiratory tract
Abstract. The Gram-negative bacteria genus Neisseria includes both pathogenic and commensal species that are found primarily in the upper respiratory tract of humans and animals.

Where does meningococcal disease occur in the world?

Sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas, Western Europe, the UK, and Ireland still face many challenges combating this disease. As with any gram-negative bacterium, N. meningitidis can infect a variety of sites. Meningococcal pneumonia can appear during influenza pandemics and in military camps.

How does meningococcal disease affect the spinal cord?

Meningococcal disease causes life-threatening meningitis and sepsis conditions. In the case of meningitis, bacteria attack the lining between the brain and skull called the meninges. Infected fluid from the meninges then passes into the spinal cord, causing symptoms including stiff neck, fever and rashes.

Which is the best treatment for meningococcal disease?

This is a multilobar, rapidly evolving pneumonia, sometimes associated with septic shock. With prompt treatment, the prognosis is excellent. Another alternative is dexamethasone with vancomycin and meropenem.

What can be a complication of meningococcemia?

Myocarditis can be a complication of meningococcemia and can be contributive to shock seen in this form of disease. Pharyngitis and conjunctivitis can also appear and can constitute the portal of entry for the bacterium. Septic arthritis due to N. meningitidis can be seen, usually accompanying disseminated infection.