Meningococcemia

 

What is meningococcemia?

Meningococcemia (meningococcal septicemia, менингококковый сепсис, تسمم الدم بالمكورات السحائية ) is a gram-negative blood infection caused by the dissemination of Neisseria meningitidis (meningococci) into the bloodstream. Like many other bacterial blood infections, it can lead to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which is a pathological form of clotting presenting with purpuric Neisseria meningitis skin lesions (purpura fulminans), neck stiffness, headache, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. Without prompt treatment, it can cause septic shock (meningococcal septic shock in severe meningococcal disease). Intravenous (iv) antibiotics should be given as soon as meningococcal disease is suspected (IV antibacterial administration), and if IV access cannot be obtained within 15 minutes, IM or IO administration should be attempted.

For more details, see. Section “meningococcemia“.

 

Verified by: Dr.Diab (November 4, 2017)

Citation: Dr.Diab. (November 4, 2017). What is meningococcemia?. Medcoi Journal of Medicine, 11(2). urn:medcoi:article16138.