Meningococcal Infection

Meningococcal infection: etiology, pathogenesis, symptoms and treatment

Meningococcal infection is a group of diseases caused by meningococci, which can occur in the form of acute nasopharyngitis, purulent meningitis and meningococcemia. These diseases are classified as airborne anthroponoses and carriage of meningococci is widespread.

Etiology and pathogenesis of meningococcal infection

Meningococci are gram-negative spherical formations, arranged in pairs and shaped like a coffee bean. They are localized intracellularly in the cerebrospinal fluid and quickly die in the external environment. There are several different serotypes of meningococci, such as A, B, C, etc. The portal of infection is the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract.

Meningococcal infection can occur in several forms - acute nasopharyngitis, meningococcemia and purulent meningitis. In most cases, the presence of meningococci on the mucous membrane does not lead to the development of the disease, but in some infected people a picture of acute nasopharyngitis develops. In some people, meningococcus can enter the blood, hematogenously affecting various organs and systems (meningococcemia). Sometimes the changes are localized primarily in the meninges (cerebrospinal meningitis).

Symptoms of meningococcal infection

The incubation period of meningococcal infection lasts from 1 to 10 days (usually 2-6 days). Acute nasopharyngitis may be a prodromal stage of purulent meningitis or an independent form of meningococcal infection. It is characterized by low-grade body temperature, moderate symptoms of intoxication (headache, dizziness, weakness) and nasopharyngitis (nasal congestion, hyperemia, dryness, swelling of the pharyngeal wall with hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles).

Meningococcal sepsis (meningococcemia) begins suddenly and proceeds violently. Chills and severe headache are noted, body temperature quickly rises to 40 ° C and above. After 5-15 hours from the onset of the disease, a hemorrhagic rash appears. Elements of the rash may have the appearance of irregularly shaped stars, along with which there may be small petechiae and large blood-purple spots. The rash is usually most pronounced on the extremities, face, neck and torso. The skin in these areas may feel hot and sweaty. Patients with meningococcemia may also experience severe muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia, and tachypnea.

Meningococcal meningitis is manifested by acute headache, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck. Patients often complain of photophobia and sound sensitivity. Possible decrease in consciousness and development of coma. Upon examination, opisthotonus is detected, the skin is pale or hyperemic, the pulse is frequent, and blood pressure is reduced.

Treatment of meningococcal infection

Meningococcal infection is an extremely dangerous disease and requires immediate hospitalization and specialized treatment. Treatment of meningococcal infection is carried out with antibacterial drugs, such as ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, ampicillin, etc. The use of antibiotics should begin immediately, without waiting for the results of bacteriological tests. Patients may also require supportive care, such as fluid administration, correction of electrolyte balance, reduction of intracranial pressure, and symptomatic treatment.

Prevention of meningococcal infection includes vaccinations, which are recommended for children and adolescents, as well as for people living or working in conditions with a high risk of infection (for example, military personnel traveling to epidemic-prone regions). You should also avoid close contact with infected people and practice good hand and respiratory hygiene.