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.

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.

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

Prophylaxis may be required for close contacts and healthcare workers.