Pathogens
Neisseria meningitidis

Neisseria meningitidis

Precautions

Droplet Precautions

Susceptibilities

General Information

Encapsulated gram negative diplococci

Normal flora - humans are the reservoir

Quadrivalent vaccine prevents disease by serogroups A/C/W-135/Y - most disease unrelated to travel is serogroup B

Occurs in outbreaks particularly in crowded setting

Colonizer and cause of invasive disease: meningitis, meningococcemia, and rarely pneumonia, septic arthritis, pericarditis, conjunctivitis, and others.

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

Invasive meningococcal disease is notifiable - call Public Health ASAP

Contact and droplet precautions until 24hrs of appropriate antimicrobial therapy

Prophylaxis may be required for close contacts and healthcare workers; call Medical Officer of Health

PCR testing available through ProvLab for CSF