Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
04:32
Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
Fulminant meningococcal supraglottitis: An emerging infectious syndrome?
1Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Attleboro, Massachusetts 02703-7043, USA. schwann@massmed.org
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|May 26, 1999
Summary
Fulminant supraglottitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis can lead to severe neck swelling. Prompt intubation and antibiotics are crucial for recovery from this rare but serious infection.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Supraglottitis is a rare but potentially life-threatening inflammation of the upper airway.
- Meningococcal infections, while common, rarely manifest as supraglottitis.
Observation:
- A case of fulminant supraglottitis with significant external cervical swelling due to cellulitis is presented.
- Blood cultures confirmed Neisseria meningitidis as the causative agent.
- The patient required emergency fiberoptic intubation and antibiotic treatment.
Findings:
- This case, along with five others reported since 1995, highlights Neisseria meningitidis as a cause of meningococcal supraglottitis.
- The clinical presentation included dramatic external cervical swelling, suggesting extensive associated cellulitis.
Implications:
- Early recognition and aggressive management, including airway control and targeted antibiotics, are vital for favorable outcomes in meningococcal supraglottitis.
- Understanding the pathophysiologic mechanisms of meningococcal supraglottitis is important for clinical management and prevention strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
01:27Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...