Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Primary meningococcal arthritis of the hip in an immunocompetent adolescent

E De Laere1, B Berghs, B Gordts

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Algemeen Ziekenhuis Sint-Jan, Ruddershove 10, B-8000 Brugge, Belgium. e.delaere@skynet.be

Acta Clinica Belgica
|May 2, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Meningococcal arthritis is rare, but this case highlights a unique presentation of Neisseria meningitidis causing hip pain in an adolescent. Early recognition is key for timely treatment of this serious infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Rheumatology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Meningococcal infections, caused by Neisseria meningitidis, typically present as meningitis or septicemia.
  • Meningococcal arthritis is a known complication, but primary meningococcal arthritis (PMA) is rare, especially in immunocompetent individuals.

Observation:

  • A case of an immunocompetent adolescent presenting with acute right hip pain as the sole initial symptom is described.
  • The patient's presentation mimicked other hip pathologies, delaying consideration of meningococcal infection.

Findings:

  • Neisseria meningitidis was identified as the causative agent in this case of isolated hip arthritis.
  • This case underscores that meningococci can present atypically, even without typical signs of meningitis or sepsis.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering less common pathogens like Neisseria meningitidis in cases of acute hip pain, even in immunocompetent patients.
  • Suggests that primary meningococcal arthritis may be underdiagnosed due to its varied and non-specific initial presentations.
  • Emphasizes the need for a broad differential diagnosis in pediatric hip pain to ensure prompt and appropriate management of infectious causes.

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial 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...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal 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,...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial 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...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral 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...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial 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...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...