Pathogens
Neisseria meningitidis

Neisseria meningitidis

Precautions

See 'Additional Information'

Susceptibilities

General Information

Encapsulated Gram negative diplococci.

Normal flora. Humans are the reservoir.

Quadrivalent vaccine prevents disease by serogroups A/C/W-135/Y.

Occurs in outbreaks particularly in crowded settings.

Colonizer and cause of invasive disease:

  • Meningitis
  • Meningococcemia

Rarely:

  • Pneumonia
  • Septic arthritis
  • Pericarditis
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Others

Generally of little significance when cultured from nonsterile sites e.g. genital, pharynx.

Consult Infectious Diseases for invasive disease.

Contact and droplet precautions until 24hrs of appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Prophylaxis may be required for close contacts and healthcare workers.