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Alternative Names
Meningococcal septicemia; Meningococcal blood poisoning; Meningococcal bacteremiaDefinition Return to top
Meningococcemia is an acute and potentially life-threatening infection of the bloodstream that commonly leads to vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels).
See also: Septicemia
Causes Return to top
Meningococcemia is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. The bacteria frequently lives in a person's upper 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.
Symptoms Return to top
There may be few symptoms at first. Some may include:
Additional symptoms may include:
Later symptoms may include:
Exams and Tests Return to top
Blood tests will be done to rule out other infections and help confirm meningococcemia. Such tests may include:
Other tests that may be done include:
Treatment Return to top
Persons with this type of infection are often admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital, where they are closely monitored. The person may be placed in respiratory isolation for the first 24 hours to help prevent the spread of the infection to others.
Treatments may include:
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Early treatment results in a good outcome. When shock develops, the outcome is more guarded.
The condition is most life threatening in those who have:
Patients who do not develop meningitis also tend to have a poorer prognosis.
Possible Complications Return to top
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Go to the emergency room immediately if you have symptoms of meningococcemia. Call your doctor if you have been around someone with the disease.
Prevention Return to top
Preventive antibiotics for family members and contacts are often recommended. Speak with your health care provider about this option.
A vaccine that covers some -- but not all -- strains of meningococcus is available, and has been suggested for use by college students who live in dormitories. You should discuss the appropriate use of this vaccine with your health care provider.
Update Date: 12/3/2007 Updated by: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |