Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 20, 2026

Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells
10:12

Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells

Published on: July 14, 2020

2.8K

Fatal acute cellulitis due to Neisseria meningitidis

Gian-Luigi Cartolano1, Christophe Barbier, Leïla Arnoult

  • 1Department of Microbiology, CHI Poissy-Saint-Germain-en-Laye, 78105 Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France. gianluig@club-internet.fr

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|August 9, 2003
PubMed

Insights

This case report details the first known fatal cellulitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y in an elderly woman. Despite antibiotic treatment, the infection rapidly led to death.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection.
  • Neisseria meningitidis typically causes meningitis and sepsis.
  • Serogroup Y strains are increasingly recognized in invasive disease.

Observation:

  • An 85-year-old woman presented with extensive facial, neck, and thoracic cellulitis.
  • The patient developed septic shock.
  • The cellulitis was confirmed to be caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

Findings:

  • This represents the first documented fatal case of cellulitis attributed to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.
  • The infection progressed rapidly despite appropriate antibiotic therapy.
  • The patient's outcome was rapidly fatal.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y to cause severe, rapidly progressing cellulitis.
  • Underscores the importance of considering meningococcal disease in severe skin infections, especially in elderly or immunocompromised individuals.
  • Suggests a need for further research into the virulence factors and clinical spectrum of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y infections.

More Related Videos

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

7.7K
Humanized Mouse Model to Study Bacterial Infections Targeting the Microvasculature11:40

Humanized Mouse Model to Study Bacterial Infections Targeting the Microvasculature

Published on: April 1, 2014

15.4K

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
481
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such...
792
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology01:25

Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) encompasses several progressive stages, beginning with bacterial colonization and culminating in potential systemic complications if untreated. UTIs are primarily initiated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often originate from the gastrointestinal tract and migrate to the urinary system through the periurethral area. This migration can occur via several routes, including improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, or...
827
Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
558
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
4.7K
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
964